Novel molecular techniques for the characterization of Rhizobium and other bacteria : an overview

Abstract EN

Interest in technologies appropriate for studying Legume - Rhizobium symbiosis has changed considerably over the last few years.

Worldwide development projects such as NifTAL have done much to transfer the fundamental methodologies for applied biological nitrogen fixation (BNF) research to scientists in the developing world.

The Rhizobium Ecology Network in East and South Africa (RE-NESA) as a voluntary body is addressing themselves to improving methods of inoculant production, quality control and packaging.

The network raised two questions: WHERE and WHEN to inoculate in the region.

For better answering these questions, identification and characterization of the rhizobia are of crucial importance.

There are few simple criteria that allow us to predict where we may expect inoculation of legumes to be successful, therefore compatible strains or species are to be well characterized.

Then DNA-based methods are emerging as the more reliable, simple and inexpensive ways to identify and monitor the performance of strains in the field following inoculation.

Also, DNA markers can better detect persistence of the strains following inoculation.

The paper provides a quick overview of the use of DNA techniques in rhizobial characterization and identification.

It is hoped that adoption of these molecular methodologies will revolutionized and upgrade the presently lagging Third World research techniques.