This thesis presents novel findings regarding
symbiotic, physiological, and antigenic characteristics of
representatives from an indigenous soil-borne population
of Rhizobium meliloti. Nodules were sampled from 'Vernal',
'Anchor', and 'Saranac' alfalfa, and the isolates analyzed
serologically. Rhizobium meliloti serogroup 31 was
identified as a dominant nodule occupant, with a greater
and...