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Aims: To identify and compare the relative diversity and distribution of genotypes of culturable fluorescent pseudomonads from soils. Methods and Results: Analysis of 160 isolates from seven soil samples using randomly amplified polymorphism DNA methods revealed 53 genotypes, which were subsequently identified by their 16S ribosomal DNA sequences. Phylogenetic analyses of the 53 genotypes along with 43 fluorescent pseudomonad type strains separated the genotypes into 10 distinct clusters that included two phylogenetic groups that were not represented by previously described type strains. Conclusions: The diversity of genotypes that was obtained from the soil samples was highly variable among the different soils and appeared to be associated with different soil management practices that also influence plant yields. Significance and Impact of the Study: The identification and phylogenetic analysis of these genotypes offers opportunities for study of phenotypic traits that may be associated within taxonomically related groups of fluorescent pseudomonad species and how these groups vary in relation to soil management practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]