The common name for several genera of bacteria which have the ability to infect the root of legumes and to produce root nodules . Each species of rhizobia can infect some but not all legumes . Often, this revegetation makes use of a mix of native prairie plants. A method used to remove contaminant organisms from the surface of seeds. Laundry bleach is commonly used, although, where the seed must be scarified as well to break dormancy, concentrated sulfuric acid is also effective.
All seed then results from cross pollination between plants.
Nodules formed on the root of a host have a finite life span, usually 50-60 days. The breakdown of nodules over time is called senescence. These then react with the bacteria causing them to be precipitated. Since antibodies only react with the organism that caused them to be formed, or one very similar to it, serological reactions are also of value in identifying particular bacteria, for example the rhizobia. Substances produced and expelled from the cell of some species of bacteria under conditions of iron deficiency.