HOST-SPECIFICITY OF FRANKIA FROM ACTINORHIZAL PLANT SOILS OF SOUTH-AMERICA

Results of inoculation experiments with Discaria americana and Colleti a paradoxa seedlings using soil samples as inocula, are reported. Soil s were collected from the rhizosphere of Alnus acuminata (Betulaceae), Coriaria ruscifolia (Coriariaceae), Discaria chacaye, Kentrothamnus w eddellianus, Retanilla ephedra, R. patagonica, R. trinervis and Trevoa quinquenervia (Rhamnaceae). All these species have their distribution area far from the region in which the inoculated species live. Franki a strains (propagules) present in the utilized soils exhibited high in fectivity and effectivity in both hosts. The results are discussed fro m the point of view of specificity.