Plant Cell Wall Carbohydrates as Substrates for Azospirillum brasiliense

Abstract

Carbohydrate components (simple sugars and polysaccharides) of cell walls of pearl millet ( Pennisetum americanum L., cv. Gahi) were studied as potential substrates for the root-associated diazotroph Azospirillum brasiliense Sp. 7. Simple sugars were utilized, but no evidence was obtained to support the suggestion that the polysaccharide components tested might serve as substrates for growth following hydrolysis by the associated azospirilla.