Methods for Introduction of the Atmospheric Nitrogen Fixing Ability to Plants

An artificial symbiosis was established between diazotropic Azomonas insignis and strawberry (Fragaria x ananassa). The partnership was created by in vitro techniques through callus induction and organogenesis. The basis of this partnerships is the bacterial dependence on the plants metabolic activity, using maltose in the medium as a carbon and energy source which can be utilized by the plant cells only. The presence of bacteria in the intercellular spaces of the callus tissues and regenerated plants was proven by microscopic techniques. Nitrogenase activity could also be detected in the plant tissues. For successful and high frequency introduction of bacteria to the plant tissues, biolistic gun method was used. On the basis of the DNA transfer method, Azotobacter vinelandii bacteria were delivered directly into strawberry tissues by the particle bombardment. This was the first use of living bacteria as microprojectils for bombardment of plant tissues. The treatment was successful, the presence of bacteria in the developing callus tissue and regenerated plants were detected by light and electron microscopy.