title: Grouping of rhizobial strains--a method based on symbiotic characteristics.
abstract: Twenty strains of Rhizobium japonicum and non-inoculated control were used to study seven symbiotic characteristics with two varieties of soybean (Glycine max). The strains were then grouped on the basis of these symbiotic characteristics, using Mahalanobis' D2 statistical method. Eight groups were formed in which two strains stood distinctly aloof, indicating thereby the exceptional nature of these strains over others in their symbiotic behaviour. This method is suggested for selecting exceptional strains for particular symbiotic characteristics as well as for greater N fixing efficiency with varieties and for different agroclimatic conditions.
mesh_terms: D012231:Rhizobium / Q000145:classification / Q000502:physiology*; D013025:Glycine max; D013559:Symbiosis