Symbiotic efficiency of Rhizobium leguminosarum sv. trifolii strains originating from the subpolar and temperate climate regions

Red clover (Trifolium pratense L.) is a forage legume cultivated worldwide. This plant is capable of establishing a nitrogen-fixing symbiosis with Rhizobium leguminosarum symbiovar trifolii strains. To date, no comparative analysis of the symbiotic properties and heterogeneity of T. pratense microsymbionts derived from two distinct geographic regions has been performed. In this study, the symbiotic properties of strains originating from the subpolar and temperate climate zones in a wide range of temperatures (10-25 °C) have been characterized. Our results indicate that all the studied T. pratense microsymbionts from two geographic regions were highly efficient in host plant nodulation and nitrogen fixation in a wide range of temperatures. However, some differences between the populations and between the strains within the individual population examined were observed. Based on the nodC and nifH sequences, the symbiotic diversity of the strains was estimated. In general, 13 alleles for nodC and for nifH were identified. Moreover, 21 and 61 polymorphic sites in the nodC and nifH sequences were found, respectively, indicating that the latter gene shows higher heterogeneity than the former one. Among the nodC and nifH alleles, three genotypes (I-III) were the most frequent, whereas the other alleles (IV-XIII) proved to be unique for the individual strains. Based on the nodC and nifH allele types, 20 nodC-nifH genotypes were identified. Among them, the most frequent were three genotypes marked as A (6 strains), B (5 strains), and C (3 strains). Type A was exclusively found in the temperate strains, whereas types B and C were identified in the subpolar strains. The remaining 17 genotypes were found in single strains. In conclusion, our data indicate that R. leguminosarum sv. trifolii strains derived from two climatic zones show a high diversity with respect to the symbiotic efficiency and heterogeneity. However, some of the R. leguminosarum sv. trifolii strains exhibit very good symbiotic potential in the wide range of the temperatures tested; hence, they may be used in the future for improvement of legume crop production.

Genetic diversity of microsymbionts nodulating Trifolium pratense in subpolar and temperate climate regions

Rhizobia are soil-borne bacteria forming symbiotic associations with legumes and fixing atmospheric dinitrogen. The nitrogen-fixation potential depends on the type of host plants and microsymbionts as well as environmental factors that affect the distribution of rhizobia. In this study, we compared genetic diversity of bacteria isolated from root nodules of Trifolium pratense grown in two geographical regions (Tromsø, Norway and Lublin, Poland) located in distinct climatic (subpolar and temperate) zones. To characterize these isolates genetically, three PCR-based techniques (ERIC, BOX, and RFLP of the 16S-23S rRNA intergenic spacer), 16S rRNA sequencing, and multi-locus sequence analysis of chromosomal house-keeping genes (atpD, recA, rpoB, gyrB, and glnII) were done. Our results indicate that a great majority of the isolates are T. pratense microsymbionts belonging to Rhizobium leguminosarum sv. trifolii. A high diversity among these strains was detected. However, a lower diversity within the population derived from the subpolar region in comparison to that of the temperate region was found. Multi-locus sequence analysis showed that a majority of the strains formed distinct clusters characteristic for the individual climatic regions. The subpolar strains belonged to two (A and B) and the temperate strains to three R. leguminosarum genospecies (B, E, and K), respectively.

Microbiome profiling reveals that Pseudomonas antagonises parasitic nodule colonisation of cheater rhizobia in Lotus

Nodule microbiota are dominated by symbiotic nitrogen-fixing rhizobia, however, other non-rhizobial bacteria also colonise this niche. Although many of these bacteria harbour plant-growth-promoting functions, it is not clear whether these less abundant nodule colonisers impact root-nodule symbiosis. We assessed the relationship between the nodule microbiome and nodulation as influenced by the soil microbiome, by using a metabarcoding approach to characterise the communities inside nodules of healthy and starved Lotus species. A machine learning algorithm and network analyses were used to identify nodule bacteria of interest, which were re-inoculated onto plants in controlled conditions to observe their potential functionality. The nodule microbiome of all tested species differed according to inoculum, but only that of Lotus burttii varied with plant health. Amplicon sequence variants representative of Pseudomonas species were the most indicative non-rhizobial signatures inside healthy L. burttii nodules and negatively correlated with Rhizobium sequences. A representative Pseudomonas isolate co-colonised nodules infected with a beneficial Mesorhizobium, but not with an ineffective Rhizobium isolate and another even reduced the number of ineffective nodules induced on Lotus japonicus. Our results show that nodule endophytes influence the overall outcome of the root-nodule symbiosis, albeit in a plant host-specific manner.

Selection and characterization of Spanish Trifolium-nodulating rhizobia for pasture inoculation

Identification of elite nitrogen-fixing rhizobia strains is a continuous and never ending effort, since new legume species can be cultivated in different agro systems or are introduced into new areas. This current study reports on the taxonomic affiliation and symbiotic proficiency of nine strains of Trifolium-nodulating rhizobia isolated from different pasture areas in Spain, as well as three Rhizobium leguminosarum bv. trifolii reference strains, on eleven Trifolium species. Based on 16S rRNA gene sequences the strains belonged to the R. leguminosarum species complex. Additional phylogenetic analyses of the housekeeping genes recA, atpD and rpoB showed the strains were closely related to the species R. leguminosarum, R. laguerreae, R. indicum, R. ruizarguesonis or R. acidisoli. In addition, three strains had no clear affiliation and could represent putative new species, although two of the reference strains were positioned close to R. ruizarguesonis. nodC gene phylogeny allowed the discrimination between strains isolated from annual or perennial Trifolium species and placed all of them in the symbiovar trifolii. Neither geographic origin nor host-plant species could be correlated with the taxonomic affiliation of the strains and a high degree of phenotypic diversity was found among this set of strains. The strong interaction of plant species with the rhizobial strains found for biological nitrogen fixation (BNF) was noteworthy, and allowed the identification of rhizobial strains with a maximum proficiency for certain trefoil species. Several strains showed high BNF potential with a wide range of clover species, which made them valuable strains for inoculant manufacturers and they would be particularly useful for inoculation of seed mixtures in natural or cultivated pastures.

Genetic characterization at the species and symbiovar level of indigenous rhizobial isolates nodulating Phaseolus vulgaris in Greece

Phaseolus vulgaris (L.), commonly known as bean or common bean, is considered a promiscuous legume host since it forms nodules with diverse rhizobial species and symbiovars. Most of the common bean nodulating rhizobia are mainly affiliated to the genus Rhizobium, though strains belonging to Ensifer, Pararhizobium, Mesorhizobium, Bradyrhizobium, and Burkholderia have also been reported. This is the first report on the characterization of bean-nodulating rhizobia at the species and symbiovar level in Greece. The goals of this research were to isolate and characterize rhizobia nodulating local common bean genotypes grown in five different edaphoclimatic regions of Greece with no rhizobial inoculation history. The genetic diversity of the rhizobial isolates was assessed by BOX-PCR and the phylogenetic affiliation was assessed by multilocus sequence analysis (MLSA) of housekeeping and symbiosis-related genes. A total of fifty fast-growing rhizobial strains were isolated and representative isolates with distinct BOX-PCR fingerpriniting patterns were subjected to phylogenetic analysis. The strains were closely related to R. anhuiense, R. azibense, R. hidalgonense, R. sophoriradicis, and to a putative new genospecies which is provisionally named as Rhizobium sp. I. Most strains belonged to symbiovar phaseoli carrying the α-, γ-a and γ-b alleles of nodC gene, while some of them belonged to symbiovar gallicum. To the best of our knowledge, it is the first time that strains assigned to R. sophoriradicis and harbored the γ-b allele were found in European soils. All strains were able to re-nodulate their original host, indicating that they are true microsymbionts of common bean.

Diverse Rhizobium strains isolated from root nodules of Trifolium alexandrinum in Egypt and symbiovars

Berseem clover (T. alexandrinum) is the main forage legume crop used as animal feed in Egypt. Here, eighty rhizobial isolates were isolated from root nodules of berseem clover grown in different regions in Egypt and were grouped by RFLP-16S rRNA ribotyping. Representative isolates were characterized using phylogenetic analyses of the 16S rRNA, rpoB, glnA, pgi, and nodC genes. We also investigated the performance of these isolates using phenotypic tests and nitrogen fixation efficiency assays. The majority of strains (<90%) were closely related to Rhizobium aegyptiacum and Rhizobium aethiopicum and of the remaining strains, six belonged to the Rhizobium leguminosarum genospecies complex and only one strain was assigned to Agrobacterium fabacearum. Despite their heterogeneous chromosomal background, most of the strains shared nodC gene alleles corresponding to symbiovar trifolii. Some of the strains closely affiliated to R. aegyptiacum and R. aethiopicum had superior nodulation and nitrogen fixation capabilities in berseem clover, compared to the commercial inoculant (Okadein®) and N-added treatments. R. leguminosarum strain NGB-CR 17 that harbored a nodC allele typical of symbiovar viciae, was also able to form an effective symbiosis with clover. Two strains with nodC alleles of symbiovar trifolii, R. aegyptiacum strains NGB-CR 129 and 136, were capable of forming effective nodules in Phaseolus vulgaris in axenic greenhouse conditions. This adds the symbiovar trifolii which is well-established in the Egyptian soils to the list of symbiovars that form nodules in P. vulgaris.

Rhizobium leguminosarum bv. trifolii NodD2 Enhances Competitive Nodule Colonization in the Clover-Rhizobium Symbiosis

Establishment of the symbiotic relationship that develops between rhizobia and their legume hosts is contingent upon an interkingdom signal exchange. In response to host legume flavonoids, NodD proteins from compatible rhizobia activate expression of nodulation genes that produce lipochitin oligosaccharide signaling molecules known as Nod factors. Root nodule formation commences upon legume recognition of compatible Nod factor. Rhizobium leguminosarum was previously considered to contain one copy of nodD; here, we show that some strains of the Trifolium (clover) microsymbiont R. leguminosarum bv. trifolii contain a second copy designated nodD2. nodD2 genes were present in 8 out of 13 strains of R. leguminosarum bv. trifolii, but were absent from the genomes of 16 R. leguminosarum bv. viciae strains. Analysis of single and double nodD1 and nodD2 mutants in R. leguminosarum bv. trifolii strain TA1 revealed that NodD2 was functional and enhanced nodule colonization competitiveness. However, NodD1 showed significantly greater capacity to induce nod gene expression and infection thread formation. Clover species are either annual or perennial and this phenological distinction is rarely crossed by individual R. leguminosarum bv. trifolii microsymbionts for effective symbiosis. Of 13 strains with genome sequences available, 7 of the 8 effective microsymbionts of perennial hosts contained nodD2, whereas the 3 microsymbionts of annual hosts did not. We hypothesize that NodD2 inducer recognition differs from NodD1, and NodD2 functions to enhance competition and effective symbiosis, which may discriminate in favor of perennial hosts.IMPORTANCE Establishment of the rhizobium-legume symbiosis requires a highly specific and complex signal exchange between both participants. Rhizobia perceive legume flavonoid compounds through LysR-type NodD regulators. Often, rhizobia encode multiple copies of nodD, which is one determinant of host specificity. In some species of rhizobia, the presence of multiple copies of NodD extends their symbiotic host-range. Here, we identified and characterized a second copy of nodD present in some strains of the clover microsymbiont Rhizobium leguminosarum bv. trifolii. The second nodD gene contributed to the competitive ability of the strain on white clover, an important forage legume. A screen for strains containing nodD2 could be utilized as one criterion to select strains with enhanced competitive ability for use as inoculants for pasture production.

Complete genome of Rhizobium leguminosarum Norway, an ineffective Lotus micro-symbiont

Rhizobia bacteria engage in nitrogen-fixing root nodule symbiosis, a mutualistic interaction with legume plants in which a bidirectional nutrient exchange takes place. Occasionally, this interaction is suboptimal resulting in the formation of ineffective nodules in which little or no atmospheric nitrogen fixation occurs. Rhizobium leguminosarum Norway induces ineffective nodules in a wide range of Lotus hosts. To investigate the basis of this phenotype, we sequenced the complete genome of Rl Norway and compared it to the genome of the closely related strain R. leguminosarum bv. viciae 3841. The genome comprises 7,788,085 bp, distributed on a circular chromosome containing 63% of the genomic information and five large circular plasmids. The functionally classified bacterial gene set is distributed evenly among all replicons. All symbiotic genes (nod, fix, nif) are located on the pRLN3 plasmid. Whole genome comparisons revealed differences in the metabolic repertoire and in protein secretion systems, but not in classical symbiotic genes.

A Novel Strategy for Detecting Recent Horizontal Gene Transfer and Its Application to Rhizobium Strains

Recent horizontal gene transfer (HGT) is crucial for enabling microbes to rapidly adapt to their novel environments without relying upon rare beneficial mutations that arise spontaneously. For several years now, computational approaches have been developed to detect HGT, but they typically lack the sensitivity and ability to detect recent HGT events. Here we introduce a novel strategy, named RecentHGT. The number of genes undergoing recent HGT between two bacterial genomes was estimated by a new algorithm derived from the expectation-maximization algorithm and is based on the theoretical sequence-similarity distribution of orthologous genes. We tested the proposed strategy by applying it to a set of 10 Rhizobium genomes, and detected several large-scale recent HGT events. We also found that our strategy was more sensitive than other available HGT detection methods. These HGT events were mainly mediated by symbiotic plasmids. Our new strategy can provide clear evidence of recent HGT events and thus it brings us closer to the goal of detecting these potentially adaptive evolution processes in rhizobia as well as pathogens.

Comparative analysis of rhizobial chromosomes and plasmids to estimate their evolutionary relationships

In the present study, complete genomic sequences retrieved from 57 rhizobial strains that covered four genera including 11 species were analyzed comprehensively. The four types of replicons: chromosomes, chromids, nonsymbiotic plasmids, and symbiotic plasmids were investigated and compared among these strains. Results showed that co-evolution occurred among these four replicons based on the similarities in average nucleotide identity. High correlation coefficient r values were observed between chromosomes and chromids, as well as between chromosomes and nonsymbiotic plasmids. Chromosomes and symbiotic plasmids showed different phylogenetic topology based on their core genes. Population structure analyses were performed to extrapolate the evolutionary histories of the test strains based on their chromosomal and symbiotic plasmid background. This resulted in seven ancestral types for chromosomal genes and three ancestral types for symbiotic plasmid genes. Rhizobial strains containing chromosome genes with ancestral type E tend to contain symbiotic plasmid genes with ancestral type II, while rhizobial strains containing chromosome genes with ancestral type G tend to contain symbiotic plasmid genes with ancestral type III. Seventeen strains associated with different host plant species which harbored the symbiotic genes with ancestral type I, exhibited high genetic diversity. In addition, Fu's test of the symbiotic plasmid genes with ancestral type III had undergone an expansion event, implying the influence of negative selection on these symbiotic plasmid genes.

Genomic insight into the taxonomy of Rhizobium genospecies that nodulate Phaseolus vulgaris

Due to the wide cultivation of bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.), rhizobia associated with this plant have been isolated from many different geographical regions. In order to investigate the species diversity of bean rhizobia, comparative genome sequence analysis was performed in the present study for 69 Rhizobium strains mainly isolated from root nodules of bean and clover (Trifolium spp.). Based on genome average nucleotide identity, digital DNA:DNA hybridization, and phylogenetic analysis of 1,458 single-copy core genes, these strains were classified into 28 clusters, consistent with their species definition based on multilocus sequence analysis (MLSA) of atpD, glnII, and recA. The bean rhizobia were found in 16 defined species and nine putative novel species; in addition, 35 strains previously described as Rhizobium etli, Rhizobium phaseoli, Rhizobium vallis, Rhizobium gallicum, Rhizobium leguminosarum and Rhizobium spp. should be renamed. The phylogenetic patterns of symbiotic genes nodC and nifH were highly host-specific and inconsistent with the genomic phylogeny. Multiple symbiovars (sv.) within the Rhizobium species were found as a common feature: sv. phaseoli, sv. trifolii and sv. viciae in Rhizobium anhuiense; sv. phaseoli and sv. mimosae in Rhizobium sophoriradicis/R. etli/Rhizobium sp. III; sv. phaseoli and sv. trifolii in Rhizobium hidalgonense/Rhizobium acidisoli; sv. phaseoli and sv. viciae in R. leguminosarum/Rhizobium sp. IX; sv. trifolii and sv. viciae in Rhizobium laguerreae. Thus, genomic comparison revealed great species diversity in bean rhizobia, corrected the species definition of some previously misnamed strains, and demonstrated the MLSA a valuable and simple method for defining Rhizobium species.

Genome sequence of the clover symbiont Rhizobium leguminosarum bv. trifolii strain CC275e

Rhizobium leguminosarum bv. trifolii strain CC275e is a highly effective, N₂-fixing microsymbiont of white clover (Trifolium repens L.). The bacterium has been widely used in both Australia and New Zealand as a clover seed inoculant and, as such, has delivered the equivalent of millions of dollars of nitrogen into these pastoral systems. R. leguminosarum strain CC275e is a rod-shaped, motile, Gram-negative, non-spore forming bacterium. The genome was sequenced on an Illumina MiSeq instrument using a 2 × 150 bp paired end library and assembled into 29 scaffolds. The genome size is 7,077,367 nucleotides, with a GC content of 60.9 %. The final, high-quality draft genome contains 6693 protein coding genes, close to 85 % of which were assigned to COG categories. This Whole Genome Shotgun project has been deposited at DDBJ/EMBL/GenBank under the accession JRXL00000000. The sequencing of this genome will enable identification of genetic traits associated with host compatibility and high N₂ fixation characteristics in Rhizobium leguminosarum. The sequence will also be useful for development of strain-specific markers to assess factors associated with environmental fitness, competiveness for host nodule occupancy, and survival on legume seeds (New Zealand Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment program, ‘Improving forage legume-rhizobia performance’ contract C10X1308 and DairyNZ Ltd.).

A Genomic Encyclopedia of the Root Nodule Bacteria: assessing genetic diversity through a systematic biogeographic survey

Root nodule bacteria are free-living soil bacteria, belonging to diverse genera within the Alphaproteobacteria and Betaproteobacteria, that have the capacity to form nitrogen-fixing symbioses with legumes. The symbiosis is specific and is governed by signaling molecules produced from both host and bacteria. Sequencing of several model RNB genomes has provided valuable insights into the genetic basis of symbiosis. However, the small number of sequenced RNB genomes available does not currently reflect the phylogenetic diversity of RNB, or the variety of mechanisms that lead to symbiosis in different legume hosts. This prevents a broad understanding of symbiotic interactions and the factors that govern the biogeography of host-microbe symbioses. Here, we outline a proposal to expand the number of sequenced RNB strains, which aims to capture this phylogenetic and biogeographic diversity. Through the Vavilov centers of diversity (Proposal ID: 231) and GEBA-RNB (Proposal ID: 882) projects we will sequence 107 RNB strains, isolated from diverse legume hosts in various geographic locations around the world. The nominated strains belong to nine of the 16 currently validly described RNB genera. They include 13 type strains, as well as elite inoculant strains of high commercial importance. These projects will strongly support systematic sequence-based studies of RNB and contribute to our understanding of the effects of biogeography on the evolution of different species of RNB, as well as the mechanisms that determine the specificity and effectiveness of nodulation and symbiotic nitrogen fixation by RNB with diverse legume hosts.

Assessment of core and accessory genetic variation in Rhizobium leguminosarum symbiovar trifolii strains from diverse locations and host plants using PCR-based methods

The nitrogen-fixing symbiosis between Rhizobium leguminosarum and host legumes is recognized as a key part of sustainable agriculture. A culture collection containing rhizobia isolated from legumes of economic importance in the UK and worldwide, maintained at Rothamsted Research for many years, provided material for this study. We aimed to develop and validate efficient molecular diagnostics to investigate whether the host plant or geographical location had a greater influence on the genetic diversity of rhizobial isolates, and the extent to which the core bacterial genome and the accessory symbiosis genes located on plasmids were affected. To achieve this, core housekeeping genes and those involved in symbiosis interactions were sequenced and compared with genome-sequenced strains in the public domain. Results showed that some Rh. leguminosarum symbiovar trifolii strains nodulating clovers and Rh. leguminosarum sv. viciae strains nodulating peas and vicias shared identical housekeeping genes, clover nodule isolates from the same location could have divergent symbiosis genes, and others isolated on different continents could be very similar. This illustrates the likely co-migration of rhizobia and their legume hosts when crops are planted in new areas and indicates that selective pressure may arise from both local conditions and crop host genotypes.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

The nitrogen-fixing symbiosis between Rhizobium leguminosarum and host legumes has been recognized as a key part of sustainable agriculture for many years; this study provides new tools to study rhizobial biogeography which will be invaluable for extending the cultivation of legumes and indicating whether or not inoculation is necessary.

Genome sequence of Rhizobium leguminosarum bv trifolii strain WSM1689, the microsymbiont of the one flowered clover Trifolium uniflorum

Rhizobium leguminosarum bv. trifolii is a soil-inhabiting bacterium that has the capacity to be an effective N2-fixing microsymbiont of Trifolium (clover) species. R. leguminosarum bv. trifolii strain WSM1689 is an aerobic, motile, Gram-negative, non-spore-forming rod that was isolated from a root nodule of Trifolium uniflorum collected on the edge of a valley 6 km from Eggares on the Greek Island of Naxos. Although WSM1689 is capable of highly effective N2-fixation with T. uniflorum, it is either unable to nodulate or unable to fix N2 with a wide range of both perennial and annual clovers originating from Europe, North America and Africa. WSM1689 therefore possesses a very narrow host range for effective N2 fixation and can thus play a valuable role in determining the geographic and phenological barriers to symbiotic performance in the genus Trifolium. Here we describe the features of R. leguminosarum bv. trifolii strain WSM1689, together with the complete genome sequence and its annotation. The 6,903,379 bp genome contains 6,709 protein-coding genes and 89 RNA-only encoding genes. This multipartite genome contains six distinct replicons; a chromosome of size 4,854,518 bp and five plasmids of size 667,306, 518,052, 341,391, 262,704 and 259,408 bp. This rhizobial genome is one of 20 sequenced as part of a DOE Joint Genome Institute 2010 Community Sequencing Program.

Genome sequence of the Trifolium rueppellianum -nodulating Rhizobium leguminosarum bv. trifolii strain WSM2012

Rhizobium leguminosarum bv. trifolii WSM2012 (syn. MAR1468) is an aerobic, motile, Gram-negative, non-spore-forming rod that was isolated from an ineffective root nodule recovered from the roots of the annual clover Trifolium rueppellianum Fresen growing in Ethiopia. WSM2012 has a narrow, specialized host range for N2-fixation. Here we describe the features of R. leguminosarum bv. trifolii strain WSM2012, together with genome sequence information and annotation. The 7,180,565 bp high-quality-draft genome is arranged into 6 scaffolds of 68 contigs, contains 7,080 protein-coding genes and 86 RNA-only encoding genes, and is one of 20 rhizobial genomes sequenced as part of the DOE Joint Genome Institute 2010 Community Sequencing Program.

Genome sequence of the clover-nodulating Rhizobium leguminosarum bv. trifolii strain TA1

Rhizobium leguminosarum bv. trifolii strain TA1 is an aerobic, motile, Gram-negative, non-spore-forming rod that is an effective nitrogen fixing microsymbiont on the perennial clovers originating from Europe and the Mediterranean basin. TA1 however is ineffective with many annual and perennial clovers originating from Africa and America. Here we describe the features of R. leguminosarum bv. trifolii strain TA1, together with genome sequence information and annotation. The 8,618,824 bp high-quality-draft genome is arranged in a 6 scaffold of 32 contigs, contains 8,493 protein-coding genes and 83 RNA-only encoding genes, and is one of 20 rhizobial genomes sequenced as part of the DOE Joint Genome Institute 2010 Community Sequencing Program.

Genome sequence of the South American clover-nodulating Rhizobium leguminosarum bv. trifolii strain WSM597

Rhizobium leguminosarum bv. trifolii strain WSM597 is an aerobic, motile, Gram-negative, non-spore-forming rod isolated from a root nodule of the annual clover Trifolium pallidum L. growing at Glencoe Research Station near Tacuarembó, Uruguay. This strain is generally ineffective for nitrogen (N₂) fixation with clovers of Mediterranean, North American and African origin, but is effective on the South American perennial clover T. polymorphum Poir. Here we describe the features of R. leguminosarum bv. trifolii strain WSM597, together with genome sequence information and annotation. The 7,634,384 bp high-quality-draft genome is arranged in 2 scaffolds of 53 contigs, contains 7,394 protein-coding genes and 87 RNA-only encoding genes, and is one of 20 rhizobial genomes sequenced as part of the DOE Joint Genome Institute 2010 Community Sequencing Program.

Identifying abnormalities in symbiotic development between Trifolium spp. and Rhizobium leguminosarum bv. trifolii leading to sub-optimal and ineffective nodule phenotypes

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Legumes overcome nitrogen limitations by entering into a mutualistic symbiosis with N(2)-fixing bacteria (rhizobia). Fully compatible associations (effective) between Trifolium spp. and Rhizobium leguminosarum bv. trifolii result from successful recognition of symbiotic partners in the rhizosphere, root hair infection and the formation of nodules where N(2)-fixing bacteroids reside. Poorly compatible associations can result in root nodule formation with minimal (sub-optimal) or no (ineffective) N(2)-fixation. Despite the abundance and persistence of strains in agricultural soils which are poorly compatible with the commercially grown clover species, little is known of how and why they fail symbiotically. The aims of this research were to determine the morphological aberrations occurring in sub-optimal and ineffective clover nodules and to determine whether reduced bacteroid numbers or reduced N(2)-fixing activity is the main cause for the Sub-optimal phenotype.

METHODS

Symbiotic effectiveness of four Trifolium hosts with each of four R. leguminosarum bv. trifolii strains was assessed by analysis of plant yields and nitrogen content; nodule yields, abundance, morphology and internal structure; and bacteroid cytology, quantity and activity.

KEY RESULTS

Effective nodules (Nodule Function 83-100 %) contained four developmental zones and N(2)-fixing bacteroids. In contrast, Sub-optimal nodules of the same age (Nodule Function 24-57 %) carried prematurely senescing bacteroids and a small bacteroid pool resulting in reduced shoot N. Ineffective-differentiated nodules carried bacteroids aborted at stage 2 or 3 in differentiation. In contrast, bacteroids were not observed in Ineffective-vegetative nodules despite the presence of bacteria within infection threads.

CONCLUSIONS

Three major responses to N(2)-fixation incompatibility between Trifolium spp. and R. l. trifolii strains were found: failed bacterial endocytosis from infection threads into plant cortical cells, bacteroid differentiation aborted prematurely, and a reduced pool of functional bacteroids which underwent premature senescence. We discuss possible underlying genetic causes of these developmental abnormalities and consider impacts on N(2)-fixation of clovers.

The genetics of symbiotic nitrogen fixation: comparative genomics of 14 rhizobia strains by resolution of protein clusters

The symbiotic relationship between legumes and nitrogen fixing bacteria is critical for agriculture, as it may have profound impacts on lowering costs for farmers, on land sustainability, on soil quality, and on mitigation of greenhouse gas emissions. However, despite the importance of the symbioses to the global nitrogen cycling balance, very few rhizobial genomes have been sequenced so far, although there are some ongoing efforts in sequencing elite strains. In this study, the genomes of fourteen selected strains of the order Rhizobiales, all previously fully sequenced and annotated, were compared to assess differences between the strains and to investigate the feasibility of defining a core ‘symbiome’—the essential genes required by all rhizobia for nodulation and nitrogen fixation. Comparison of these whole genomes has revealed valuable information, such as several events of lateral gene transfer, particularly in the symbiotic plasmids and genomic islands that have contributed to a better understanding of the evolution of contrasting symbioses. Unique genes were also identified, as well as omissions of symbiotic genes that were expected to be found. Protein comparisons have also allowed the identification of a variety of similarities and differences in several groups of genes, including those involved in nodulation, nitrogen fixation, production of exopolysaccharides, Type I to Type VI secretion systems, among others, and identifying some key genes that could be related to host specificity and/or a better saprophytic ability. However, while several significant differences in the type and number of proteins were observed, the evidence presented suggests no simple core symbiome exists. A more abstract systems biology concept of nitrogen fixing symbiosis may be required. The results have also highlighted that comparative genomics represents a valuable tool for capturing specificities and generalities of each genome.

Complete genome sequence of Rhizobium leguminosarum bv. trifolii strain WSM1325, an effective microsymbiont of annual Mediterranean clovers

Rhizobium leguminosarum bv trifolii is a soil-inhabiting bacterium that has the capacity to be an effective nitrogen fixing microsymbiont of a diverse range of annual Trifolium (clover) species. Strain WSM1325 is an aerobic, motile, non-spore forming, Gram-negative rod isolated from root nodules collected in 1993 from the Greek Island of Serifos. WSM1325 is produced commercially in Australia as an inoculant for a broad range of annual clovers of Mediterranean origin due to its superior attributes of saprophytic competence, nitrogen fixation and acid-tolerance. Here we describe the basic features of this organism, together with the complete genome sequence, and annotation. This is the first completed genome sequence for a microsymbiont of annual clovers. We reveal that its genome size is 7,418,122 bp encoding 7,232 protein-coding genes and 61 RNA-only encoding genes. This multipartite genome contains 6 distinct replicons; a chromosome of size 4,767,043 bp and 5 plasmids of size 828,924 bp, 660,973 bp, 516,088 bp, 350,312 bp and 294,782 bp.

Complete genome sequence of Rhizobium leguminosarum bv trifolii strain WSM2304, an effective microsymbiont of the South American clover Trifolium polymorphum

Rhizobium leguminosarum bv trifolii is the effective nitrogen fixing microsymbiont of a diverse range of annual and perennial Trifolium (clover) species. Strain WSM2304 is an aerobic, motile, non-spore forming, Gram-negative rod, isolated from Trifolium polymorphum in Uruguay in 1998. This microsymbiont predominated in the perennial grasslands of Glencoe Research Station, in Uruguay, to competitively nodulate its host, and fix atmospheric nitrogen. Here we describe the basic features of WSM2304, together with the complete genome sequence, and annotation. This is the first completed genome sequence for a nitrogen fixing microsymbiont of a clover species from the American center of origin. We reveal that its genome size is 6,872,702 bp encoding 6,643 protein-coding genes and 62 RNA only encoding genes. This multipartite genome was found to contain 5 distinct replicons; a chromosome of size 4,537,948 bp and four circular plasmids of size 1,266,105 bp, 501,946 bp, 308,747 bp and 257,956 bp.

The model legume Medicago truncatula A17 is poorly matched for N2 fixation with the sequenced microsymbiont Sinorhizobium meliloti 1021

Medicago truncatula (barrel medic) A17 is currently being sequenced as a model legume, complementing the sequenced root nodule bacterial strain Sinorhizobium meliloti 1021 (Sm1021). In this study, the effectiveness of the Sm1021-M. truncatula symbiosis at fixing N(2) was evaluated. N(2) fixation effectiveness was examined with eight Medicago species and three accessions of M. truncatula with Sm1021 and two other Sinorhizobium strains. Plant shoot dry weights, plant nitrogen content and nodule distribution, morphology and number were analysed. Compared with nitrogen-fed controls, Sm1021 was ineffective or partially effective on all hosts tested (excluding M. sativa), as measured by reduced dry weights and shoot N content. Against an effective strain, Sm1021 on M. truncatula accessions produced more nodules, which were small, pale, more widely distributed on the root system and with fewer infected cells. The Sm1021-M. truncatula symbiosis is poorly matched for N(2) fixation and the strain could possess broader N(2) fixation deficiencies. A possible origin for this reduction in effectiveness is discussed. An alternative sequenced strain, effective at N(2) fixation on M. truncatula A17, is Sinorhizobium medicae WSM419.

Evidence of selection for effective nodulation in the Trifolium spp. symbiosis with Rhizobium leguminosarum biovar trifolii

The pasture-breeding program to improve production in the natural grasslands in Uruguay has acknowledged that indigenous Rhizobium strains are incompatible with introduced Mediterranean clovers. In an attempt to understand and overcome this problem, a cross-row experiment was set up in 1999 in a basaltic, acid soil in Glencoe, Uruguay, to follow the survival and performance of 9 exotic strains of Rhizobium leguminosarum bv. trifolii. This paper reports on the ability of the introduced strains to compete for nodule occupancy of Mediterranean clover hosts and impacts of the introduced strains on the productivity of the indigenous Uruguayan clover Trifolium polymorphum. Strain WSM1325 was a superior inoculant and remained highly persistent and competitive for the effective symbiosis with the Mediterranean hosts, T. purpureum and T. repens, in the Uruguayan environment in the third year of the experiment. The Mediterranean hosts (T. purpureum and T. repens) nodulated with the introduced strains but did not nodulate with any indigenous R. leguminosarum bv. trifolii typed from nodules of T. polymorphum. Conversely, there were no nodules on the Uruguayan host T. polymorphum that contained introduced R. leguminosarum bv. trifolii. These results reveal the establishment of effective symbioses between strains of R. leguminosarum bv. trifolii and clover even though the soil contained ineffective R. leguminosarum bv. trifolii for all hosts. We believe our results are the first reported example of ‘selective’ nodulation for an effective symbiosis in situ with annual and perennial clovers in acid soils.