Properties of some Mutants of Rhizobium Leguminosarum Rin-1

An isolate of Rhizobium leguminosarum designated RIN-1 forms effective nodules on Pisum sativum cv. Mehndorfii. A number of mutants of RIN-1 resistant to several drugs have been isolated. Four sm^R, five kan mutants were tested for their effectiveness. Except for two out of five kan mutants, all were deficient in infectivity. Four azi^R mutants were also tested for effectivity. One of these, azi^R-14, was highly infective. Cultures of azi^R-14 accumulate significant amounts of nitrogen. Growth rate of azi^R-14 in nitrogen free minimal medium was better than of control. Nitrate reductase activity of both RIN-1 and azi^R:14 are the same when grown in nitrogen free as well nitrate containing media.