Progress with the legume bacteria in Rhodesia

Abstract

Progress during eight years of work in Rhodesia with Rhizobium is presented. 370 of the country's 507 known indigenous species of legumes have been examined for nodulation, and all but 13 found to form nodules. A collection of 573 isolates of Rhizobium, 221 of them from other countries, has been built up on a basis of selecting strains for agricultural use. Results of greenhouse tests of nitrogen-fixing powers of Rhizobium, and of field-tests of selected strains, are given. A factory is producing inoculants at the rate of 9000 units a year. A survey has shown virtual absence of field-failure of these inoculants.

Keywords: agricultural uses|nitrogen fixing|strains|species lists|innoculants|nodulations|legumes|indigenous species|Rhodesia|bacteria|crops|nodule yields