Genetic Evaluation of Indigenous Rhizobia Nodulating of three Clover Species, Based on Rep- PCR Fingerprinting Method

Evaluation of genetic diversity is a considerable approach to screen within indigenous rhizobial population for compatible, highly effective strains, which can be further utilized as rhizobial inoculums. Genetic diversity of Rhizobium isolates from three clover species grown in soil samples of seven different geographical regions in Iran was investigated by Repetitive extra genomic palindromic fingerprinting (Rep-PCR) method. Out of 152 isolates tested in the study, 22 were identified as different strain types. Genome analysis of rhizobial isolates, as based on the fingerprinting profiles and the relating dendrogram, revealed considerable heterogeneity among isolates with different host specie's origin. The results demonstrate Rep-PCR fingerprinting method as a powerful technique to differentiate among closely related strains of Rhizobium leguminosarum bv. trifolii. The results also suggest that clover species tend to preferably absorb their rhizobial symbionts.