Characterization and Efficiency of Rhizobial Isolates Nodulating Cytisus monspessulanus in the Northwest of Morocco: In Relation to Environmental Stresses

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Phenotypic characteristics of 69 rhizobial strains isolated from root nodules of Cytisus monspessulanus leguminous shrub growing in soils collected from the northwest of Morocco were studied. Tolerance to salinity, high temperatures, acid and alkaline pH, heavy metals, carbon and nitrogen source assimilation, and symbiotic and cultural characteristics allowed the description of a wide physiological diversity among tested isolates. Numerical analysis of the phenotypic characteristics showed that below the boundary level of 48, 91% of average similarity isolates fell into at least four distinct groups. A number of potential isolates have been identified for inoculation trials. They were efficient and able to form nodules with indigenous rhizobia in this region.