The genetic relationships of 85 Arachis pintoi nodulating Rhizobium strains were determined using the random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) methods. The analysis included 75 strains isolated from Cerrado soils and 10 other ones of different origins. The results indicated that there is a high level of similarity between these strains and that geographic distribution may affect their phylogenetic relationship. In addition, the results allowed the selection of the most suitable primers for characterisation of these Rhizobium strains which will be useful for implementation of competitiveness studies in Cerrado soils.
Rhizobium; Arachis pintoi; Cerrado soils
