Formulation and commercialization of rhizobia: Asian scenario

Abstract

The symbiotic agreement of rhizobia with leguminous plants is making a valuable contribution to agriculture primarily as nitrogen fixers and secondarily as plant growth promoters by their key role as phosphate solubilizers, growth hormone producers, abiotic and biotic stress relievers, and host-plant resistance enhancer. In the so far identified 14 genera and 105 species of rhizobia, a huge number of research reports were reported in various aspects. Genetically modified rhizobia with desirable traits have also been surfed to a large extent. Besides their potentiality, the commercial success of rhizobia as a bio-inoculant is poor, because most of the inoculants produced worldwide are of poor or suboptimal quality. Though voluminous data and better understanding are available on various formulation technologies, longevity and efficacy of the final product are loosed at the farmer’s end. This book chapter is focused to address various types of formulations applicable to rhizobia, quality control for longevity, gaps in knowledge on bringing the native potential of rhizobia during formulation, and critical control points to be considered during its development. The chapter also shares ICRISAT’s experience in its rhizobial collection, formulation developments, and efficacy testing.