Polymorphism among Sinorhizobium meliloti isolates native to the origins of alfalfa diversity differed in soil-climate characteristics
Sinorhizoboium meliloti populations native to the 4 distinct gene centers (GC) of alfalfa were explored toward the tolerance to salinity, cryptic plasmid profiles and symbiotic properties. The significant correlations detected among nodule (N) and trapped (T) isolates related to the similar or distinct populations. more than 60 % N- and 77 % T-isolates tolerant to 3,5 % NaCl; salt tolerant N-isolates formed effective symbiosis with Medicago sativa and M. truncatula significantly more often. Isolates native to the GC area next to aral Sea had possessed the reduced level of salt tolerance in comparison with the isolates originated from Central asian, North-Caucasian and Europe-Siberian GC; that, has related to adaptation processes, which have ensured their viability in extremely salted soils.<img src="http://elibrary.ru/pic/1pix.gif" />