Journal of Food Legumes

In this study, nodC and 16 rDNA gene analysis of rhizobia isolated from legumes growing in arid and semi-arid regions of Haryana, India were compared. A total of 90 rhizobial isolates were obtained from nodules of different leguminous crops of arid and semi-arid zones of Haryana (India) and tested for nodulation efficiency in their respective crops. Out of the 90 isolates, 33 isolates forming better nodules were selected for the investigation of genetic diversity. The results of nodC restriction analysis of these isolates showed that Vigna unguiculata group lay separately from the Tri foli um alexandrinum and Cicer arietinum groups. However, restriction analysis of 16S rDNA revealed that the T. alexandrinum and the C. arietinum isolates formed separate phylotypes within the V. unguiculata group but with less similarity between them. From the comparison of nodC and 16S rDNA gene analysis of these isolates it has been concluded that nodC pattern shows some correlation with host plant range whereas 16S rDNA analysis results in wide diversity. Five of the isolates, one from each phylogenetic group, were identified on the basis of partial 16S rDNA gene sequencing.