THE FLAGELLIN GENE AS A STABLE MARKER FOR DETECTION OF PSEUDOMONAS-FLUORESCENS SBW25

Flagellin gene central regions from 111 isolates of Pseudomonas fluore scens SBW25 obtained from soil during a field release experiment were analysed using a combined PCR/RFLP technique to look for variation. In addition, a 858 bp flagellin gene sequence from the original strain a nd the last isolate obtained from the release site were compared. Ther e was no variation in flagellin gene sequences indicating that the gen e was stable over the period of the release, and that the flagellin ge ne is a suitable marker for use in the detection of bacteria in releas e experiments. A comparison of Ps. fluorescens SBW25 flagellin with ot her sequenced flagellins revealed closest homology to the flagellin of Ps. putida PRS2000.