ABSTRACT
Rhizobium bacteria which nodulate Sesbania species are fast growing strains. Isolates of these bacteria are not very stable when stored in culture, and they tend to lose viability rapidly. Proper culture and storage conditions are not known for this group of bacteria. Physiological responses of rhizobia isolated from sesbanias to certain stresses were studied by Indian scientists, including the effects of Streptomyces spp. Studies of Sesbania nodules include research on the absorption spectra and behavior of S. cannabina leghemoglobins, and a report on the relation between sugars and bacterial invertase in developing nodules on S. grandiflora. Cross-inoculation relationships between Rhizobium of Sesbania and those of other legumes have been the subject of a number of studies. Frequent transfer of cultures, maintenance of appropriate storage temperatures, and buffering the culture media against shifts toward lower pH may help to promote culture maintenance.
