Selection and evaluation of <i.Rhizobial</i> strains of <i>Vigna radiata</i> L. beneficial to biological nitrogen fixation

Abstract

This study aimed to select suitable strains that can be used as inoculants to enhance legume production and simultaneously reduce the use of inorganic fertilizers. Evaluations of the selected strains of Vigna radiata on the basis of polysaccharide (exopolysaccharides and lipopolysaccharides) produced reinforced evidence that Rhizobial strains and its mutant nodulate promote growth differently under stressed environments. Strains performance evaluation demonstrated that the R0132 (1106):Tn5 inoculant of Sinorhizobium fredii (Formerly, Rhizobium fredii) is a prime candidate as a commercial inoculant. It benefited growth of V. radiata and it was more easily cultured on solid and liquid media than any of the other
strains tested including R0132 (1112):Tn5, R0132 (0097):Tn5 and R0132 (1106):Tn5. Mutant R0132 (1106):Tn5 exhibited superior growth promoting ability under extreme environmental condition; therefore it has
potential to be used in India.