Bacteriophage as Related to the Root Nodule Bacteria of Alfalfa

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Abstract
Soil and plant samples from 29 irrigated alfalfa fields revealed bacteriophages in 8 soils with alfalfa 3 yrs. old or more, and in the root tissue of 3-yr.-old alfalfa in 1 field. All nodules tested, regardless of the age of the plant carrying them, yielded bacteriophage, and nodulation on the affected plants was poor generally. One bacteriophage whose transmissibility was demonstrated was active at a 1:1011 dilution. Interference of bacteriophage with normal symbiosis of Rhizobium meliloti and the host plant may be the cause of observed reductions in alfalfa yields 3-5 years after planting in certain irrigated soils.

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