Isolation of Azospirillum from diverse geographic regions

Abstract

We have isolated Azospirillum (Spirillum lipoferum) from roots of grasses of several genera collected from a number of tropical and subtropical-temperate locations. Pure cultures were obtained from a small percentage of samples; no higher percentage was secured from tropical than from other grasses. Acetylene reduction and distinctive growth in N-free soft agar deeps were inadequate to identify this genus, although helpful in intial screening. Fluorescent antibody tests with antiserum against characterized strains were helpful. There is some evidence that this genus of bacteria may be favored in the rhizoplane.