This thesis should be cited as: Weir, B. S. (2006) Systematics, Specificity, and Ecology of New Zealand Rhizobia. PhD Thesis. School of Biological Sciences, The University of Auckland.
This research investigated the rhizobia that are associated with New Zealand legume plants. Rhizobia are a diverse group of bacteria that live in symbiosis with legumes in root nodules. Rhizobia fix Nitrogen from the atmosphere and provide this nutrient to the plant. The objectives of this research were to:
- Determine the identity of the rhizobial species nodulating the native legumes of New Zealand (Sophora, Carmichaelia, and Clianthus), and the identity and origin of rhizobial species nodulating invasive exotic legumes in New Zealand (Ulex, Cytisus, and Acacia).
- Determine the specificity and nitrogen fixing capacity of both groups of rhizobia.
- Investigate the possible exchange of transmissible symbiotic genetic elements. A polyphasic strategy was used to determine the identity of bacterial isolates.