Rapid plate assay for hydrolytic enzymes of Rhizobium

It has been suggested that extracellular hydrolytic enzymes function in the penetration phase of legume root infection by Rhizobium. It is now generally accepted that rhizobia produce cellulase, hemicellulase and pectinase enzymes. Studies of the genetics and physiology of these enzymes in relation to the infection process are currently hampered by the absence of rapid and reliable in vitro assays for the enzymes. Such studies are critical to assessment of the importance of these enzymes in the infection process. This work was initiated as a comparative study that would result in rapid and reproducible assays for the qualitative demonstration of these enzymes in rhizobia.