Sym plasmid transfer to various symbiotic mutants of Rhizobium trifolii, R. leguminosarum, and R. meliloti

Two self-transmissible Sym(biosis) plasmids, one encoding pea-specific nodulation and nitrogen-fixation functions (plasmid pJB5JI) and the other encoding clover-specific nodulation and nitrogen-fixation functions (plasmid pBR1AN) were used to determine whether the symbiotic genes encoded on these plasmids are expressed in various members of the Rhizobiaceae. The host specificity of Rhizobium trifolii and R. leguminosarum Sym plasmid-cured strain could be directly determined by the transfer to these strains of the appropriate Sym plasmid. The nodulation of white clovers was restored by either plasmid pJB5JI or pBR1AN when these plasmids were transferred to two transposon Tn5-induced hair-curling (Hac^-) R. trifolii mutants. In addition, lucerne nodulation was restored to a Hac^- R. meliloti mutant when either plasmid pBR1AN or PJB5JI was transferred to this strain. The phenotype of nonmucoid (Muc^-) Rhizobium mutants, which had altered cell surface, was not influenced by the transfer to these strains of plasmid pBR1AN or plasmid pJB5JI.