The use of local substrates in the production of legume nodulating bacteria inoculants for Sub- Saharan Africa: Preliminary results

Abstract

Objective: The aim is to assess cheaper organic local products as an alternative for legume nodulating bacteria (LNB) inoculants production. Methodology and results: The study was done using two selected LNB strains (VUID1 and AHYP21), 16 local media (C and N sources), and groundnuts. The LNB biomass obtained from the local media was greater than the one obtained from the standard YEM media. VUID1 strain had a better yield in sucrose/soybean water, cow milk/yeast extract, cow milk/soybean water than the mannitol/yeast water media; while AHYP21 strain yielded better in the glycerol/yeast water, sucrose/yeast extract, cow milk/yeast extract and cow milk/soybean water media. Local carriers (Forest humus, horticultural compost, palm tree compost, and household organic compost) increased groundnuts growth and nitrogen uptake. These preliminary results showed the potential of local media and carriers in the production of inoculants for leguminous plants. Conclusions and application of findings: All the local substrates showed an important potential as local culture media and carriers for the production of LNB inoculants. Instead of mannitol and yeast extract, other products can be used for the culture of LNB. The production of LNB inoculants is easy, using organic local matter as carriers of inoculants. LNB inoculants will be more accessible for farmers.