title: Melanin production by Rhizobium strains.
abstract: Different Rhizobium and Bradyrhizobium strains were screened for their ability to produce melanin. Pigment producers (Mel) were found among strains of R. leguminosarum biovars viceae, trifolii, and phaseoli, R. meliloti, and R. fredii; none of 19 Bradyrhizobium strains examined gave a positive response. Melanin production and nod genes were plasmid borne in R. leguminosarum biovar trifolii RS24. In R. leguminosarum biovar phaseoli CFN42 and R. meliloti GR015, mel genes were located in the respective symbiotic plasmids. In R. fredii USDA 205, melanin production correlated with the presence of its smallest indigenous plasmid.
authors.affiliation: Departamento de Microbiología, Facultad de Biología, Universidad de Sevilla, Apdo. 1095, 41080 Seville, Spain, and Department of Microbiology, University of Bristol, The Medical School, University Walk, Bristol, BS8 1TD, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: M T
authors.initials: MT
authors.lastname: Cubo
authors.forename: A M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Buendia-Claveria
authors.forename: J E
authors.initials: JE
authors.lastname: Beringer
authors.forename: J E
authors.initials: JE
authors.lastname: Ruiz-Sainz