Immunolocalization of dinitrogenase reductase produced by Klebsiella pneumoniae in association with Zea mays L.

The endophytic lifestyle of Klebsiella pneumoniae is described, including t he production of dinitrogenase reductase by bacteria residing in maize root tissue. The green fluorescent protein (GFP) was used to detect the coloniz ation of maize by K. pneumoniae strains 2028 and 342, These strains were fo und to reside in intercortical layers of the stem and within the region of maturation in the root. The production of dinitrogenase reductase by GFP-ta gged bacteria was visualized using immunolocalization, This activity was on ly apparent when bacteria were supplied with an exogenous carbon source, Th e results suggest that maize provides a suitable habitat for K, pneumoniae and that this species is capable of producing nitrogenase under the appropr iate plant cultivation conditions.