Collecting Nodules and Isolating Rhizobia

Abstract

The purpose of this chapter is to become familiar with legumes in the field, examine their nodules, isolate rhizobia from nodules, and preserve the isolates. The subfamilies in the Leguminosae will be discussed and identifications will be made with the help of a botanical key. Nodules will be sectioned and examined. Simple stains of nodule smears will be examined under the microscope. Rhizobia will be isolated from nodules and grown on presumptive test media. The isolates will be authenticated on their original host plants and then preserved on ceramic beads.