Nodulation of Shepherdia ×utahensis ‘Torrey’ and the Diversity of Symbiotic Frankia Strains

Shepherdia × utahensis ‘Torrey’ (hybrid buffaloberry) is an actinorhizal plant that can form symbiotic nodules with the actinobacterial genus Frankia . However, little research has been conducted to investigate presence of in their and effects on growth. In this study, plants were grown a Metro-Mix ® 820 substrate inoculated soils collected from Mohave County, AZ, or low organic-matter North Logan, UT. The was quantified using PolF/PolR primers amplify nitrogenase ( nif H) gene sequences. substrate, irrigated nitrogen (N)-free Hoagland’s solution at pH 6.5 formed week 12 after experiment initiation, whereas those receiving same 2 m ammonium nitrate (NH 4 NO 3 ) appeared healthy, but no formed. 5 weeks when N-free 7.5. Four 300-bp fragments query sequences (SU1, SU2, SU3, SU4) obtained nodules. When compared H reported literature Basic Local Alignment Search Tool (BLAST), more than 90% similarity spp. obtained. strains shared similar host-specific group Furthermore, genes have argentea (silver buffaloberry). Additionally, belonging cluster infective consisting Elaeagnaceae Rhamnaceae showed high This demonstrates nodulation S. ×utahensis inhibited NH Apart N, nodule formation may be associated type nutrient solution. Based sequence amplification, root potential fix atmospheric (N ). These signature characteristics Elaeagnaceae-infective , suggesting shares its parents.