R Factor Transfer in Rhizobium leguminosarum

SUMMARY: R factors of the compatibility class P were transferred between strains of Escherichia coli k12 and Rhizobium leguminosarum. These R factors were stable in R. leguminosarum and conferred similar levels of antibiotic resistance to those in the corresponding R+ E. coli k12 hosts, with the exception of carbenicillin resistance which was greatly reduced. Transfer between R. leguminosarum strains was by conjugation and was stimulated by conditions favouring spheroplast formation. R factor mediated recombination could not be demonstrated.