Effects of high concentrations of inorganic salts on swarming ability in fluorescent Pseudomonas strains

We did tests using swarm plates, to examine the effects of various salts and their concentrations on the chemotaxis of fluorescent Pseudomonas strains. As a result, we found that the swarming ability of the Pseudomonas strains was inhibited by high concentrations of Ca2+. The growth of the strains was not affected at the high concentration of Ca2+, but the cells grown in swarm agar under the condition were extended in the filaments. Most of the cells had reached 10 mum to 40 mum in length. Such cell elongation was not observed with salts other than calcium salts. A significant correlation between the cell elongation and the decrease of swarming ability by the high concentration of Ca2+ was observed.