Phosphodiesterase and phosphotriesterase in Rhizobium and Bradyrhizobium strains and their roles in the degradation of organophosphorus pesticides.

Of 13 Rhizobium and Bradyrhizobium strains investigated for the production of cellular and extracellular phosphodiesterase and phosphotriesterase, all were found to produce both enzymes. Phosphodiesterase was produced at a much higher level than phosphotriesterase. Rhizobium meliloti TAL 1373 was the most productive. The extracellular enzymes were activated by inclusion in the assay mixture of Ca2+ or Mg2+. The enzymes were inhibited by Zn2+ but not significantly affected by Cu2+, Co2+ and Mn2+. Both hydrolases were inhibited by dithiothreitol but not by thiol-directed inhibitors, suggesting that sulphydryl groups are not directly involved in catalysis. The enzymes have the ability to hydrolyse some organophosphorus compounds, suggesting that Rhizobium and Bradyrhizobium strains play an important role in the degradation of organophosphorus pesticides.