Successful inoculation of Vigna radiata (L) Wilczek grown in rice fallow soil containing indigenous cowpea rhizobia

Abstract

Field experiments in rice fallow soil with two Rhizobium strains, VUW.2 and VRS.6, showed that both were capable of competing with native rhizobia in infecting the roots of the mung bean and occupying the nodules to an extent of 35–75%. Simultaneous infection with both strains was most effective in increasing growth and nodulation efficiency. It was also observed that the inoculated rhizobial strains increased the grain yield 18.7–23.6% above control. The maximum increase of 23.6% in grain yield was obtained from seeds inoculated with both strains simultaneously.