High Diversity of Bradyrhizobial Species Fix Nitrogen with Woody Legume Spartocytisus supranubius in a High Mountain Ecosystem

Research in Teide National Park reveals a high diversity of Bradyrhizobium species capable of fixing nitrogen with the woody legume Spartocytisus supranubius in extreme high-mountain conditions. Phylogenetic analysis identified three distinct lineages—two within the B. japonicum superclade (labeled B. canariense-like and B. hipponense-like) and one within the B. elkanii superclade (B. algeriense-like)—suggesting potential new species. While soil physicochemical differences existed among three study sites, they did not significantly influence bradyrhizobial distribution, indicating strong adaptation to Teide's harsh environment.

Pulido-Suárez, L., Notario del Pino, J., Díaz-Peña, F. J., Perdomo-González, A., González-Rodríguez, Á. M., & León-Barrios, M. (2023). High Diversity of Bradyrhizobial Species Fix Nitrogen with Woody Legume Spartocytisus supranubius in a High Mountain Ecosystem. Microorganisms, 11(5), 1244. https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms11051244