The molecular characterization of 62 rhizobial isolates obtained from root-nodules of Arachis hypogaea growing in north-western Morocco was performed. Bacteria were firstly characterized by restriction of the 16S-rDNA region, and phylogeny was inferred from 16S gene sequences. Phylogenetically, isolates were grouped with species belonging to the Bradyrhizobium and Rhizobium genera. A high degree of variability was detected among isolates in terms of their nitrogen-fixing ability. This is, to our knowledge, the first study on genetic diversity and symbiotic effectiveness of rhizobia isolated from peanut nodules grown in Morocco. This characterization provides a basis for the selection of peanut-nodulating rhizobia which may have applications in the formulation of appropriate inocula to improve peanut crop yield on Moroccan soils.

5 pages and figures

Peer reviewed