Rhizosphere Microbiota and Frankia-Casuarina Symbiosis

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Department of Botany, Faculty of Science at Qena, South Valley University, 83523 Qena, Egypt

2 Department of Botany, Faculty of Science, Beni Suef University, Egypt

Abstract

Four Frankia strains were used to inoculate three Casuarina species in sterilized and unsterilized soils.
Plants were analyzed for their growth performance as well as their enzymatic activities after three months
of inoculation. Catalase, lipid peroxidation (malondialdehyde), free amino acids, and proline were
measured for the treated plants after three months of inoculation. Only nodulation and plant performance
were determined after three, six, and nine months of inoculation. The magnitude of plant performance
was as follows: uninoculated plants in unsterilized soil ≥ inoculated plants in unsterilized soil >
inoculated plants in sterilized soil. The indigenous Frankia populations may be more adapted to benefit
from the intact soil biota found in the unsterilized soils than the introduced Frankia strains except in few
treatments. The increase in catalase (CAT) and decrease in malondialdehyde (MDA) and proline content
of plants in unsterilized soil indicate that indigenous Frankia, in combination with other accompanying
microorganisms, are more beneficial for plant performance. Soil biotic community may produce the
required factors for plant protection and successful growth conditions, in combination with the
indigenous infective and effective Frankia strains.

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