EFFECT OF RNASE ON SURVIVAL AND SYMBIOTIC ABILITY OF RHIZOBIUM-MELILOTI IN SOIL

The effect of exogenous RNase of Bacillus intermedius on the developme nt of Rhizobium meliloti in soil was studied. In sterile soil, RNase a t a concentration of 0.01 mu g/ml stimulated the propagation of root-n odule bacteria. In nonsterile soil, RNase increased the survival rate of rhizobia, shortened the adaptation period, and promoted stabilizati on of their cell number. In a vegetation experiment, RNase increased t he symbiotic ability of Rhizobium meliloti. This was confirmed by inte nsified nitrogen fixation and increased mass of the above-ground part of plants.