GROWTH OF RHIZOBIUM SP IN THE PRESENCE OF CATECHOL

The ability of Rhizobium sp., isolated from Lablab purpureus to survive in soil containing a phenolic derivative catechol was investigated. It survived for 9 months in soil containing catechol. In synthetic medium, Rhizobium sp. utilized catechol up to 10 m M as sole carbon source and catechol 1, 2-dioxygenase was present in the catechol grown cells. In the presence of organic acids and sugars, catechol was co-metabolized; but catechol 1, 2-dioxygenase induction was inhibited. The ability of Rhizobium sp. to utilize various phenolic substances provides potential advantage to overcome the phenolic toxicants present in soils. © 1990 Kluwer Academic Publishers.