Abstract
The root nodules of Elaeagnus umbellata were coralloid-shape due to repeated dichotomous branching of nodule meristem. The filamentous endophyte with vesicle cluster ranging from 30 ${\mu}{\textrm}{m}$ to 60 ${\mu}{\textrm}{m}$ in diameter was present only in the cortical cells. The isolated endophytes in vitro culture showed typical Frankia morphology, consisting of highly branched hyphae ranging from 0.8 ${\mu}{\textrm}{m}$ to 1.0 ${\mu}{\textrm}{m}$ in diameter, terminal and intrahyphal sporangia varing in shape and size up to 60 ${\mu}{\textrm}{m}$ in length and laminated vesicles. Its infectivity and effectivity were confirmed by induction of nitrogen-fixing root nodules on the inoculated seedlings of two Elaeagnus species. Consequently, the isolate was confirmed as a true symbiont of Elaeagnus umbellata root nodule and named Frankia EuIK1.