The Effect of pH Stress on the Survival of Rhizobium Trifolii and Sinorhizobium Meliloti in Vitro

Abstract

Nitrogen-fixing symbiotic bacteria known as rhizobia can exist in different soils and adapt to different environmental conditions. The aim of this study was to determine the impact of pH on the growth of Rhizobium trifolii and Sinorhizobium meliloti. Rhizobial species were isolated using yeast extract mannitol agar medium) in which the pH values were adjusted to 5.0, 6.0, 8.0 and 9.0 by adding HCl and NaOH. The optimum pH for rhizobia is neutral or slightly alkaline (pH 8) and they are more sensitive to acidity. Sinorhizobium meliloti developed better in an acid medium compared to Rhizobium trifolii.