Co-Authors:
Guetsky, R., Institute of Soil Water and Environmental Sciences, Agricultural Research Organization, Volcani Center, Bet Dagan 50250, Israel, Department of Food Science, Agricultural Research Organization, Volcani Center, Bet Dagan 50250, Israel
Gollop, N., Department of Food Science, Agricultural Research Organization, Volcani Center, Bet Dagan 50250, Israel
Bernstein, N., Institute of Soil Water and Environmental Sciences, Agricultural Research Organization, Volcani Center, Bet Dagan 50250, Israel
Abstract:
Eight Frankia strains were isolated from root nodules of Cusuarina cunninghamiana trees growing in a sandy loam soil at an irrigated landscaping site on Kibbutz Naan, in Israel. Analysis of the 16S ribosomal DNA gene sequence determined the diversity of the different isolated strains, and the sequences were compared to two known Frankia strains: DSM-44251, isolated from Alnus rubra (Betulaceae family) and DSM-43829, isolated from Colletia crucita (Rhamnaceae family). The phylogenetic tree constructed, based on the 16S rDNA sequencing results, revealed that the strains isolated from Casuarina cunninghamiana had a high phylogenetic similarity to the known strain isolated from Alnus rubra, whereas the sequence homology of the strain isolated from Colletia crucita was located at a distant branch of the phylogenetic tree. These results demonstrate for the first time the existence of "actinorhizal" symbiosis in Israeli soil and the relation of Israeli Frankia strains to known strains from different regions of the world. © 2005 Science From Israel / LPPLtd.