COLD-TOLERANT STRAINS OF RHIZOBIUM SPECIES

摘要

A process is disclosed for the selection and characterization of cold-tolerant strains of Rhizobium species, and the subsequent use of these cold-tolerant strains in inoculant compositions to improve nodulation, nitrogen fixation and biomass development of legume forage crops. The selected cold-tolerant Rhizobium strains are employed as immunogens for the creation of hybridoma cell lines that produce monoclonal antibodies specific to the immunogen strains. The monoclonal antibodies enable detection of the immunogen cold-tolerant Rhizobium meliloti strains in cultures, nodules, inoculant compositions and soils.