交联聚丙烯酰胺和丛枝菌根真菌对烟苗生长、养分吸收和生理指标的影响

利用漂浮育苗技术培育烟苗,在育苗基质中加入交联聚丙烯酰胺(crosslinked polyacrylate amine,CPA)和接种AM真菌,研究了它们对烟苗生长、养分吸收及有关生理指标的影响.结果表明,在不接种AM真菌的处理中,CPA显著促进烟苗生长,其原因可能是改善了烟苗的氮素营养,同时还提高了烟苗氮、磷、钾吸收置;但在接种AM真菌的处理中,CPA对烟苗生长无显著影响,显著降低AM真菌的感染率和烟苗硝酸还原酶活性.此外,接种AM真菌的烟苗生物量相似,不因菌株和基质CPA含量不同而发生变化.在-CPA的基质中,接种AM真菌的烟苗生物量显著高于不接种,增加磷、钾吸收量,提高硝酸还原酶活性;在+CPA的基质中,接种AM真菌后的烟苗生物量与不接种的相似,烟苗养分吸收、硝酸还原酶、几丁质酶和根系活力因菌株和CPA含量不同而异.由于降低AM真菌的感染率,不能进一步改善菌根烟苗生长,菌根效应可被CPA的促生作用掩盖甚至超过,故在实际育苗工作中,建议采用接种AM真菌或在基质中适量加入CPA一种方式即可.     

蚯蚓堆肥用作苹果育苗基质的应用研究

本研究采用穴盘栽培的方式,以不同比例的蚯蚓堆肥替代草炭调配育苗基质配方,用于苹果的育苗效果研究,通过比较苹果苗生长状况,以为蚯蚓堆肥在果树育苗上的应用提供参考。试验设置4个处理,包括传统草炭基质处理(对照)、蚯蚓堆肥25%、50%、100%替代草炭基质处理,对苹果苗的株高、茎粗、叶片光合色素含量、壮苗指数、根系形态和根系活力指标进行测定和分析。结果发现:与对照相比,蚯蚓堆肥不同比例替代草炭(25%、50%、100%)均能够增加苹果苗的地上生物量,以全替代(100%)的效果最为显著,全替代处理下苹果苗的存活率提高了15%,根系长度、根表面积、根体积、根尖数、根干重和根系活力分别增加了23.40%、47.61%、5.88%、38.57%、20.17%、228.75%。因此,蚯蚓堆肥可以全替代草炭用作苹果苗的育苗基质,且不仅能够降低成本,还可以促进农业废弃物的循环转化,降低环境风险。     

交联聚丙烯酰胺和AM真菌对玉米苗生长、养分吸收和生理指标的影响

在玉米育苗基质中加入交联聚丙烯酰胺(crosslinked polyacrylate amine,CPA)和接种AM真菌,研究它们对玉米苗生长、养分吸收及有关生理指标的影响。结果表明,在-CPA的基质中,接种AM真菌的玉米苗生物量高于不接种,并且增加磷含量与吸收量,提高硝酸还原酶活性;在+CPA的基质中,CPA提高了玉米苗P含量以及吸收量,适量的CPA浓度还能够提高玉米苗的生物量,CPA显著降低AM真菌的感染率,接种AM真菌后的玉米苗生物量与不接种的相似甚至更低,玉米苗养分吸收、硝酸还原酶、叶绿素和根系活力因菌株和CPA含量不同而异。由于降低AM真菌的感染率,不能进一步改善菌根玉米苗生长,菌根效应被CPA的促生作用掩盖甚至超过,故在实际育苗工作中,建议采用接种AM真菌或在基质中适量加入CPA一种方式即可。     

Bacillus amyloliquefaciens Pb-4对穴盘育苗番茄生长及生理特性的影响

【目的】 以穴盘育苗番茄为试材,研究分析了Bacillus amyloliquefaciens Pb-4对植物的促生作用及应用潜力,为该菌在番茄穴盘育苗上的应用提供理论依据。 【方法】 采用穴盘育苗的方法,以Bacillus amyloliquefaciens Pb-4在PYJ培养基中培养48 h的发酵液为接种剂,设置不接种 (CK) 和接种20 (T20)、60 (T60)、100 (T100) 和200 (T200) mL/L 基质5个处理,番茄幼苗四叶一心时取样分析其生理指标。 【结果】 1) Pb-4显著促进了番茄幼苗地上部的生长,其中T100处理的促生作用最强,株高、茎粗、叶面积以及地上部干重较CK处理显著增加了28.5%、23.9%、57.4%和42.4%,而T200处理的促生作用下降;Pb-4促进了番茄幼苗根系的生长,显著增加了根系直径大于0.5 mm的根长占总根长的比重,T20处理的根表面积和根体积最大,较CK处理显著增加了16.9%和34.2%,但与T100处理间差异不显著。2) Pb-4显著增加了番茄幼苗光合色素含量,其中T100处理的总叶绿素含量最高,CK处理最低,T20、T60、T100和T200处理分别较CK处理增加5.8%、9.4%、12.6%和7.6%;Pb-4提高了番茄幼苗茎、叶中IAA和GA₃的含量,而对根中IAA和GA₃的含量没有影响。3) 相关性分析表明,番茄株高、茎粗、叶面积、地上部干重与叶片光合色素含量、茎中IAA、GA₃以及叶片中GA₃的含量显著相关,而根系干重与光合色素含量、茎中IAA含量显著相关,根表面积与叶片IAA以及根系中GA₃的含量显著相关,根体积与叶片中IAA含量显著相关。 【结论】 Bacillus amyloliquefaciens Pb-4可促进番茄幼苗地上部生长,改变根系形态特征,提高番茄叶片光合色素以及不同器官中IAA和GA₃含量,其对番茄幼苗的促生作用在施用量为100 mL/L基质时最佳,超过该施用量促生作用降低。      

菌糠复合基质在番茄育苗上的效果

以发酵菌糠为试验材料,研究了菌糠与草炭、蛭石、炉渣以不同比例(V/V)混合后基质的理化性质,并以复合基质进行了番茄育苗试验。结果表明,发酵菌糠的总孔隙度、持水孔隙度比草炭低11.8%、36.8%,通气孔隙度比草炭高41.9%,电导率比草炭高12.5倍。菌糠以30%～70%的比例与蛭石、草炭混合后,复合基质的理化性质与CK(草炭∶蛭石=7∶3)相近。在番茄育苗试验中,以T3(菌糠∶蛭石=7∶3)表现最好,T4(菌糠∶草炭∶蛭石=5∶2∶3)、T5(菌糠∶草炭∶蛭石=3∶4∶3)育苗效果均优于CK。     

棉花与不同作物同穴互作育苗对土壤微生物、 酶活性和根系分泌物的影响

为了探明两苗互作育苗提高棉苗素质的机理,本试验在塑料温棚2030℃、 自然光照条件下,采用532280 mm2具有200方形孔的塑料育苗盘,用土壤作基质,以棉花单作育苗为对照,研究了棉花分别与小麦、 玉米、 谷子和高粱同穴互作育苗对土壤微生物、 酶活性及根系分泌物的影响。结果表明, 随互作苗的加入,育苗土壤中细菌和放线菌数量显著增加,真菌数显著降低; 脱氢酶、 中性磷酸酶、 转化酶和脲酶活性显著提高; 2,4-二叔丁基苯酚、 2,6-二叔丁基苯酚、 邻苯二甲酸二丁酯和9-16碳烯酸甲酯根系分泌物的积累量显著减少,棉苗则表现为根系活力、 叶片可溶性糖含量和ATP含量显著提高,增加了棉苗根重、 苗重和侧根数,棉苗离床存活期延长,栽后缓苗期缩短。在四种互作处理中,以棉花+小麦、 棉花+谷子处理中棉苗素质表现较好。综上,两苗同穴互作育苗改善了育苗土壤微生物数量和结构,这可能是提高土壤酶活性和降低土壤有害根系分泌物积累的主要原因,进而提高了棉苗素质。     

含PGPR菌株LZ-8生物育苗基质的研制与促生效应研究

根际促生细菌(PGPR)与普通育苗基质联合形成生物育苗基质,能够有效促进PGPR菌株的根际定殖,从而增强菌株促生效果的发挥。本研究以辣椒和番茄两种经济作物为供试材料,采用拌土的方式向基质中添加PGPR菌株LZ-8发酵液形成生物育苗基质,研究了该生物基质对这两种作物苗期的促生效果及种苗移栽后大田产量的增加情况。结果表明:含PGPR菌株的生物育苗基质对辣椒和番茄苗期均具有显著的促生效果,其中苗期辣椒和番茄的株高、茎粗、叶面积、鲜重和干重分别比对照高出22%、15.9%、33.6%、21.84%、31.25%和26.8%、29.4%、62%、72.7%、83.3%;生物基质所育种苗移栽至大田后显著增加了辣椒和番茄的产量,分别比对照增产22%和11%。     

施用微生物有机肥对连作条件下西瓜的生物效应及土壤生物性状的影响

为探讨施用微生物有机肥对连作条件下西瓜生长、土壤微生物的影响,在西瓜连作3年的土壤上采用小区试验方法分析施用微生物有机肥对西瓜的生物学效应及对土壤微生物群落结构的影响。试验设置4个处理,依次为健康菜园土育苗(CK)、健康菜园土育苗+定植期增施微生物有机肥(施肥量为每株25 g)、健康菜园土+微生物有机肥育苗(微生物有机肥︰健康菜园土=1︰49)、健康菜园土+微生物有机肥育苗+定植期增施微生物有机肥(施肥量为每株25 g)。结果显示:在育苗及定植期均施用微生物有机肥使西瓜的生物学性状得到显著改善。与对照相比,施用微生物有机肥使西瓜株高、叶片数、叶绿素含量、植株氮、磷、钾吸收总量以及西瓜品质、产量显著增加(P<0.05);同时,微生物有机肥富含优质碳源和微生物,健康菜园土育苗+定植时增施微生物有机肥和健康菜园土+微生物有机肥育苗+定植期增施微生物有机肥处理土壤中细菌总量与对照相比分别增加24.9%~51.0%和35.7%~55.8%,放线菌数量分别增加18%~41%和15%~35%,真菌数量分别增加7.4%~21.9%和4.9%~31.9%;土壤中有益菌数量和放线菌与真菌的比例增加可有效抑制尖孢镰刀菌活性,对枯萎病的防治率高达83%以上。微生物有机肥能激发连作土壤有益微生物活性,显著改善和调节连作西瓜生长,对西瓜的连作障碍有明显缓解作用。     

味精废浆对西瓜根际土壤生物学特征的影响

为了探讨味精废浆与化肥配施对西瓜根际土壤环境的作用效果以丰乐一号西瓜为试材,通过大田试验,利用平板计数法和末端限制性片段长度多态性分析(T-RFLP)技术,研究了T1(尿素提供100%的氮)、T2(味精废浆和尿素分别提供10%和90%的氮)、T3(味精废浆和尿素分别提供30%和70%的氮)和T4(味精废浆和尿素各提供50%的氮)等处理对西瓜根际土壤微生物数量、微生物量碳和氮、根系分泌物及细菌群落结构多样性的影响。结果表明:与T1处理相比,T3处理显著增加了根际土壤细菌数、放线菌数、微生物总量及微生物量碳、氮含量,而对真菌数的影响较小,其中细菌数、微生物量碳和氮含量分别增加53.59%、39.80%和45.59%;明显提高了根际土壤中根系分泌物含量。同T3处理相比,T2和T4处理对根际土壤微生物数量及根系分泌物含量的影响较小。此外,T3处理的细菌群落结构的丰富度及多样性指数最高,分别比T1处理提高91.79%和97.31%,差异达显著水平(p0.05);同时也明显高于T2处理,但与T4处理差异不显著。综合分析认为,配施味精废浆可有效改善西瓜根际土壤的微生态环境,而味精废浆与化肥的搭配比例是关键因素。     

酒糟等农业废弃物的堆肥化及水稻育秧基质研发

本试验旨在以农业有机废弃物酒糟为主要原料,制成高效水稻育秧基质。首先,以酒糟配合小麦秸秆、菇渣进行发酵腐熟试验,得到腐熟基质原料。然后,以蛭石、珍珠岩为辅料制成不同配比的基质进行水稻育秧试验,筛选高效水稻育秧基质。结果表明,通过堆肥发酵得到的腐熟堆肥,可作为水稻育秧基质的原料,以(酒糟+秸秆)堆肥60%+蛭石30%+珍珠岩10%(T6)处理的综合效果最好,其在水稻幼苗的株高,全氮、磷、钾含量,根系活力等方面显著优于市售商品基质(T8)处理,分别比T8处理增加13.94%、12.68%、24.62%、5.77%、15.78%,是较理想的水稻育秧基质。     

Sesbania spp., Aeschynomene indica and Crotalaria spp. are amide-exporters

Abstract

Extract

Leguminous plants consist of two groups, amide-exporting and ureide-exporting plants. The former legumes export a large fraction of fixed-N in the form of amides (asparagine and glutamine), and the latter legumes in the form of ureides (allantoic acid and allantoin). Another characteristic of the nodules is the enrichment in ¹⁵N. There are two types of legumes: one characterized by the enrichment with ¹⁵N in N₂-fixing nodules, in contrast to the other where the enrichment does not occur. The first investigation by Shearer et al. (1982) suggested that the nodules exporting fixed-N in the form of ureides were enriched in ¹⁵N unlike those exporting it in the form of amides. Soybeans, mungbean, and cowpea belong to the former group and groundnut, alfalfa, white clover to the latter. Although pea and faba bean were first classified into the latter group (Shearer et al. 1982), a recent investigation (Yoneyama 1988) showed that these nodules were also enriched in ¹⁵N.     

砷污染土壤中接种丛枝菌根真菌和蚯蚓对土壤线虫群落和植物砷吸收的影响

The influences of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (MF, Acaulospora spp. and Glomus spp.), rice straw and earthworms (RE, Eisenia foetida) on nematode communities and arsenic (As) uptake by maize (Zea mays L.) in As-contaminated soils were examined in a field experiment conducted in Wujiang, Jiangsu Province, China. The experiment was designed as a 2 × 2 factorial with the factors of MF (inoculated or uninoculated) and RE (added or not added). The results demonstrated that MF inoculation led to significantly higher root colonization of MF and root dry weight. Plants inoculated with both MF and RE had the highest As concentrations in root. The number of total nematodes increased with MF inoculation when RE was absent, and decreased with RE addition when MF was inoculated. The improved abundance of nematodes with the MF treatment implied that the tested MF acted as food sources for fungivores. The abundances of omnivores-predators and plant parasites were reduced by earthworm activity. Twenty-seven genera of nematodes were identified, with Filenchus dominant in all treatments. Trophic diversity (TD), Shannon-Weaver diversity (H′), Simpson dominance index (λ), and species richness (SR) indicated higher species diversity, more proportionate species composition, evenly distributed species, and more food sources in the MF, RE, and their interaction treatments. Maturity index (MI) showed a moderately disturbed environment due to As pollution. Besides enhancing plant uptake of contaminants, MF and RE amendments could also improve soil health by restoring the structure of soil communities, as reflected by more stable nematode community structure.     

Genetic diversity for root-knot nematode resistance in white clover and related species

A total of 237 Plant Introduction in eleven Trifolium species were evaluated for resistance to Meloidogyne arenaria (Neal) Chitwood race 1, M. hapla Chitwood, M. incognita (Kofoid & White) Chitwood race 3, and M. javanica (Treub) Chitwood. Plants were infected with 1500 nematode eggs collected from 'Rutgers' tomato (Lycoperiscon esculentum Mill.) roots with 0.5% NaOCl. Ratings of galling severity and egg mass production were assigned to each plant 8 wk after inoculation. Host plant reaction was classified as immune, highly resistant, resistant, moderately resistant, intermediate, moderately susceptible, susceptible, and highly susceptible according to the resistance index . More than 95% of 171 white clover accessions were moderately to highly susceptible to all four nematodes species. The best white clover accessions were only moderately resistant to either M. arenaria (PI 291843 and PI 306286) or M. hapla (PI 100250 and PI 204930). Accessions with moderate resistance or resistance to root-knot nematodes were found among relatives of white clover, with T. ambiguum M. Bieb. exhibiting the greatest resistance level. Among the other Trifolium species evaluated, T. carolinianum Michx. PI 516273 was immune or highly resistant to all four nematode species while accessions of T. hirtum All. showed a wide range of reaction to root-knot nematodes. Identified germplasm of white clover relatives with resistance to root knot nematodes should be useful for the selection of parents in white clover breeding programs.     

Leaf epicuticular wax as a factor of antixenotic resistance of cabbage to cabbage flea beetles and cabbage stink bugs attack

The aim of present research was to establish the role of epicuticular wax content in eight cabbage genotypes (four white hybrids and one red hybrid, two red varieties and one white variety) in the context of its natural resistance to attack cabbage flea beetles (Phyllotreta spp.) and cabbage stink bugs (Eurydema spp.), which are among the most important cabbage pests in southern Europe. For this reason and for the purpose of diminishing the use of synthetic insecticides against the cabbage pests the field experiments in 2006 and 2008 were conducted. We found out that individual cabbage genotypes – they had different epicuticular wax content – differ in regard to their susceptibility to attacks by the studied groups of harmful insect pests. The highest susceptibility to attacks by Phyllotreta spp. was confirmed for the hybrid ‘Cheers F1’, in the first year (1.68 ± 0.05), as well as in the second year of the experiment (2.87 ± 0.13). Cabbage stink bugs in both years of the experiment caused the highest extent of injuries on the hybrids ‘Destiny F1’, ‘Cheers F1’, and ‘Vestri F1’. In both years we found higher epicuticular wax content in red cabbage genotypes. In almost all studied genotypes we found a pronounced negative correlation between the content of epicuticular wax and the extent of injuries done by both groups of harmful pests. We have established that epicuticular wax is an important factor of cabbage's antixenotic resistance to attacks by cabbage flea beetles and cabbage stink bugs, and that the cabbage genotypes with higher content of this substance are consequently more suitable for environmentally acceptable manners of cabbage production.     

Fusarium seedling blight of wheat and oats: effects of infection level and fungicide seed treatments on agronomic characters

The effects of seed-borne Fusarium spp. and Microdochium nivale infection in spring wheat, winter wheat, and oats in Sweden was investigated in field trials for the agronomic characters yield, thousand kernel weight, grain volume weight, gluten, protein, starch, straw strength, and plant density. Seed with high and low levels of infection was mixed to obtain six infection levels in the proportions of 100/0, 80/20, 60/40, 40/60, 20/80, and 0/100 percent. The seed was untreated or treated with Celest Extra Formula M (CEFM, difenoconazole + fludioxonil) or Celest Formula M (CFM, fludioxonil). In the field trials using untreated seed, there were significant differences between infection levels only for some agronomic characters and levels. Fungicide seed treatment with CEFM in spring wheat had no significant effect on most agronomic characters including yield. In winter wheat and oats, seed treatment with CFM increased yield by 7–11% and plant density by up to 33% while having no effect on other characters. The percentage discoloration of crown roots and stem bases due to Fusarium/Microdochium spp. was also investigated visually in winter wheat and oats and found to increase with higher infection level. Fungicide seed treatment thus mainly increased plant emergence in seed lots with low-to-moderate Fusarium/Microdochium spp. infection and had little or no effects on other agronomic characters.     

Salt influence on germination and seedling survival of six cool season turfgrass species

Abstract

‘Merion’ Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis L.), ‘Pennfine’ perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.), ‘Seaside’ creeping bent‐grass (Agrostis palustris Huds.), ‘Dawson’ slender creeping red fescue (Festuca rubra trichophylla (L.) Gaud.), ‘Fults’ weeping alkaligrass (Puccinellia distans (L.) Parl.), and ‘common’ Lemmon alkaligrass (Puccinellia lemmoni (Vasey) Scribn.) were evaluated for germination and seedling survival in the greenhouse and laboratory under saline conditions. Overall results indicated that weeping and Lemmon alkaligrass were superior performers under saline and/or sodic conditions. Among the remaining four species, none appeared clearly superior in overall performance.     

Impact of entomopathogenic nematodes on adults of Phyllotreta spp. (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) under laboratory conditions

Abstract

In 2005, preparations of four species of the entomopathogenic nematodes Steinernema feltiae, S. carpocapsae, Heterorhabditis bacteriophora, and H. megidis, were tested under laboratory conditions for their ability to kill adult flea beetles, Phyllotreta spp. (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae). The nematode preparations were tested at doses of 200, 1000, and 2000 IJs per adult and at temperatures 15°C, 20°C, and 25°C. The numbers of beetles killed were recorded two, four, six, and eight days after treatment. The nematodes were more effective at 20°C and 25°C than at 15°C. At 20°C, the nematodes had killed between 44% (H. megidis at the lowest dose tested) and 77% (S. feltiae at the lowest dose tested) of the beetles eight days after treatment. At the two highest doses tested, the S. feltiae, S. carpocapsae, and H. bacteriophora preparations each killed at least 74% of the beetles at 25°C. Steinernema feltiae was the most effective nematode (LC₅₀=483–1467 IJs/adult) and, as an alternative to chemical insecticides, appears to have the highest potential for controlling overwintered flea beetles (May) under field conditions. The nematodes S. feltiae, S. carpocapsae and H. bacteriophora would all be suitable for controlling adult flea beetles during warm summer months, when flea beetles occur in high numbers in Slovenia.     

柱花草炭疽病菌的鉴定及生物学特性研究

对柱花草炭疽病菌的鉴定及生物学特性测定结果表明：柱花草炭疽病菌为盘长孢状刺盘孢菌[Colletotrichumgloeosporioides（Penz）Sacc]．病菌生长温度15～36℃;适宜生长温度25～30℃;分生孢子萌发的温度6～40℃,最适萌发温度为28℃;分生孢子在饱和湿度下萌发率为83．1％,在饱和湿度加水滴中达87．9％;分生孢子的致死温度为49℃10min;病菌生长的pH值是2．5～14．0,最适pH值为6．4～7．2;病菌对碳源的利用较氮源好。     

对根结线虫高毒力芽胞杆菌的鉴定及其活性测定

为筛选高效安全的杀虫资源,从海底淤泥中分离到一株对根结线虫(Meloidogyne spp.)高毒力的芽胞杆菌YBf-10,PCR扩增16S rRAN基因,经测序、序列比对分析和系统进化树构建,发现其与坚强芽胞杆菌(Bacillus firmus)Z1-7菌株16S rDNA同源性为99%,初步确定所分离的菌株为坚强芽胞杆菌。将该菌株培养至芽胞成熟,离心取上清,10倍稀释后进行生物测定,发现其对北方根结线虫二龄幼虫有很高的毒力。处理24h校正死亡率达到50%以上,72h达到100%。对根结线虫虫卵进行毒力测定表明,作用48h后能显著抑制虫卵孵化达到80%以上。在培养过程中分不同时段取样,并用所取样品上清进行生物测定,发现从稳定期开始表现出了对北方根结线虫的毒力,在整个稳定期毒力持续增强,直到衰亡期后期,毒力达到最高,表明坚强芽胞杆菌所产生的杀线虫活性物质主要是在稳定期合成的。将发酵上清80℃处理30min毒力无明显变化,通过饱和硫酸铵沉淀上清中蛋白,该蛋白对线虫无明显毒力,但是去蛋白后的上清对线虫仍然具有与未经处理上清相似的杀线虫活性,表明坚强芽胞杆菌产生的杀线虫活性物质是一种非蛋白类的小分子化合物。研究结果提示,本研究所分离的坚强芽胞杆菌在稳定期能够大量合成对线虫具有毒杀活性的小分子化合物,对根结线虫表现出极高毒力,为利用该菌株开发植物寄生线虫生防制剂提供了杀虫资源。     

Nodulation and nitrogen fixation of Lupinus species with Bradyrhizobium (lupin) strains in iron-deficient soil

 The effect of six Bradyrhizobium sp. (lupin) strains (WPBS 3201D, WPBS 3211D, USDA 3040, USDA 3041, USDA 3042 and CB 2272) and Fe supply on nodulation, N₂-fixation and growth of three lupin species (Lupinus termis, L. albus and L. triticale) grown under Fe deficiency in an alkaline soil, were examined in sterilized and non-sterilized pot experiments. When inoculated with USDA 3040, 3041, 3042 and CB2272 without Fe addition, the three lupin species had a very low nodule number and mass, low shoot and root dry matter accumulation and lower N yield. However, inoculation with WPBS 3201D and 3211D without Fe treatments increased all these parameters substantially. The ability of WPBS 3201D and 3211D to form nodules on the three lupin species under conditions of Fe stress could be attributed to their ability to scavenge Fe from Fe-deficient environments through their siderophore production. Addition of Fe to the other four strains significantly increased nodulation and N₂-fixation of the three lupin species, indicating that the poorer nodulation and N₂-fixation of these strains in the absence of Fe, resulted from a low ability to obtain Fe from alkaline soils. Bradyrhizobium strains WPBS 3201D and 3211D were superior to the other four strains in terms of promoting greater nodulation, N₂-fixation, plant growth and N accumulation of L. termis and L. albus. However, the other four strains were more efficient in symbiotic association with L. triticale. The greater variations in nodule efficiencies (specific nitrogenase activity) under different levels of Fe supply could be attributed to the quantities of bacteroid protein and leghaemoglobin in the nodules. The results suggested that Bradyrhizobium (lupin) strains differ greatly in their ability to obtain Fe from alkaline soils, and that the selection of bradyrhizobial strains which are tolerant of Fe deficient soils could complement plant breeding for the selection of legume crops for Fe-deficient soils. Received: 5 January 1998