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Genetic diversity of soybean-nodulating rhizobia in Nepal in relation to climate and soil properties

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Abstract

Backgroud and aims

This study was conducted to reveal the genetic diversity of soybean-nodulating rhizobia in Nepal in relation to climate and soil properties.

Method

A total of 102 bradyrhizobial strains were isolated from the root nodules of soybeans cultivated in 12 locations in Nepal varying in climate and soil properties, and their genetic diversity was examined based on 16S rDNA, ITS regions of 16S–23S rDNA, nodC and nifH. In vitro growth properties of some representative strains were examined to elucidate their characteristic distribution in Nepal.

Results

Four species of the genus Bradyrhizobium were isolated, and B. japonicum dominated at temperate locations, while in subtropical locations, B. elkanii, B. yuanmingense, and B. liaoningense dominated at acidic, moderately acidic, and slightly alkaline soils, respectively. The relative nodule occupancies could not be fully explained by their in vitro growth properties. Similar nodC and nifH genes among the strains suggested co-evolution of these genes also in Nepal, probably through horizontal gene transfer.

Conclusions

The influence of climate and soil pH on diversity at the sub-species level was revealed. It is concluded that the highly diverse climate and soils in Nepal might be conducive for the existence of diverse soybean rhizobial strains.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Faculty of Life and Environmental Science, Shimane University, 1060 Nishikawatsu, Matsue, Shimane, 690-8504, Japan

    Dinesh Adhikari, Masakazu Kaneto, Kazuhito Itoh & Kousuke Suyama

  2. Nepal Agricultural Research Council, Singhadurbar Plaza, Kathmandu, Nepal

    Dinesh Adhikari, Bhanu B. Pokharel & Yam K. Gaihre

Authors
  1. Dinesh Adhikari
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  2. Masakazu Kaneto
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  3. Kazuhito Itoh
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  4. Kousuke Suyama
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  5. Bhanu B. Pokharel
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  6. Yam K. Gaihre
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Correspondence to Kazuhito Itoh.

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Responsible Editor: Katharina Pawlowski.

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Adhikari, D., Kaneto, M., Itoh, K. et al. Genetic diversity of soybean-nodulating rhizobia in Nepal in relation to climate and soil properties. Plant Soil 357, 131–145 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11104-012-1134-6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11104-012-1134-6

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