A relationship between RP4 plasmid acquisition and phenotypic changes in Pseudomonas fluorescens R2fN.

The physiological behaviour of Pseudomonas fluorescens strain R2fN was compared to that of transconjugants [R2fN(RP4)], and two aggregation phenotypes were identified (Agr- and Agr+). Agr+ phenotype is characterized by the appearance of macroscopic aggregates when cells are growing in liquid media. Transconjugants exhibited Agr+ phenotype whereas wild type strain represented Agr-. Evidence is presented to support correlation between Agr+ phenotype acquisition and the presence of the broad-host range plasmid RP4 in strain R2fN. In addition, according to bacterial adherence to hydrocarbon test the transconjugant cells appeared to be very hydrophilic whereas wild type R2fN cells were hydrophobic.