Selection of Strains of Root Nodule Bacteria to Improve Inoculant Performance and Increase Legume Productivity in Stressful Environments

Abstract

Pulse, pasture and grain legumes are important for maintaining productivity in many agricultural systems. The formation of effective nitrogen-fixing symbioses between legumes and root nodule bacteria is essential for many legumes in agriculture. In many situations, soil inoculation with effective strains of root nodule bacteria is required for maximising legume yields. A key strategy to enhance the performance of inoculants to improve productivity of legumes is the selection of elite strains with improved characteristics such as greater nitrogen fixing ability, ability to survive stressful edaphic conditions, and greater competitive ability. The approach used with success at the Centre for Rhizobium Studies to identify, characterise and select strains of root nodule bacteria for use in Australian agriculture includes a four-phase glasshouse and field-based program