HOST-PHAGE INTERACTIONS UNDER OSMOTIC-STRESS IN NOSTOC-MUSCORUM

Cyanophage N-1 multiplication in Nostoc muscorum exposed to osmotic st ress was studied. Osmotic stress (0.1 M NaCl, 2-8 h), reduced the host photosynthesis and nitrogenase activity. Latent period of the virus w as extended followed by a significant reduction in burst size. The dep loyment of osmo-tolerant host and a osmoprotective agent, glycine beta ine (1 mM), improved cyanophage yield. The observations form the first report of cyanophage multiplication in a cyanobacterium exposed to os motic stress and modifications by a osmoprotective agent or by a osmot olerant host.