M. SRIDEVJ AND K.V. MALLAJAH
Abstract
Rhizobia isolated from the root nodules of Sesbania rostrata, S. procumbens, S. grandiflora, S. sesban and S. aculeata vary in their ability to utilize different carbon sources, production of acid and exopolysaccharides (EPS). The Rhizobium strains isolated from S. rostrata (SRR) and S. procurnbens (SPR) showed maximum growth on mannitol, while those from S. grandiflora (SGR), S. sesban (SSR) and S. aculeata (SAR) showed maximum growth on glucose, mannose and arabinose respectively. All the isolates produced acid in YEM broth, while the isolate from S. sesban (SSR) produced acid in all the 12 carbon sources. Although the isolate produced acid, the growth was very less in some of the carbon sources. Maximum EPS production is observed in isolate from S. granclif7ora (SGR) and minimum by isolate from S. rostrata..