| Abstract: | Using the micro-dissection method, 273 actinomycete isolates were obtained from root nodules of Coriaria nepalensis. Twenty four Frankia-like isolates were shown to nodulate the host plants through pot experiment. Phenotypic characterization of ten isolates demonstrated that they were of the typical morpbologieal and cultural characteristics of the genus Frankia. These strains were divided into physiological group A, B and A/B where the latter was an intermediate group between the A and B strains. It was evident that group B but not A strains were able to nodulate the host. However, one strain of the group A/B unexpectedly nodulated the host. The utilization of carbon and nitrogen source for the strains was similar to other Frankia. Some strains were of type Ⅲ cell wall ; others were of type Ⅱ. Whole cell sugar patterns were diverse. Besides the common non-diagnostic sugars, most strains were shown to contain xylose and galactose, some contain xylose, galactose and arabinose and few contain galactose or xylose only. The G+C mol % of strains were ranging from 69 to 74. |
