Physiological Diversity of the Rhizosphere Diazotroph Assemblages of Selected Salt Marsh Grasses

• DOI: 10.1128/aem.64.11.4276-4282.1998
• Publication Date: 2019-12-19T18:55:34Z
• Authors: Christopher E. Ba...; Yvette M. Piceno; Amy Ashburne-Lucas; Charles R. Lovell
• Keywords: Spartina alterniflora; Salt marsh; Spartina

ABSTRACT Rhizosphere diazotroph assemblages of salt marsh grasses are thought to be influenced by host plant species and a number porewater geochemical parameters. Several variables can adversely affect productivity spatial distributions, resulting in strong zonation growth forms. This geochemically induced stress may also influence the compositions distributions rhizosphere assemblages, but little is currently known about these organisms. The diversity key physiological features culturable, O 2 -tolerant diazotrophs associated with tall short forms Spartina alterniflora Juncus roemerianus were examined. A total 339 gram-negative strains isolated root stab culture approach morphologically physiologically characterized using API BIOLOG tests. Eighty-six distinct groups composed similar identified. Of groups, 72% shown capable N fixation through molecular analyses, representative strain was chosen from each group for further characterization. Cluster principal-components analysis data allowed designation groupings. Most dominated that not identifiable on basis or testing. Representatives several families including Enterobacteriaceae , Vibrionaceae Azotobacteraceae Spirillaceae Pseudomonadaceae Rhizobiaceae recovered, as well no clear taxonomic affiliations. study identifies numerous potentially important assemblage.