A new approach to enhance growth and nodulation of Acacia mangium through aeroponic culture

This work was designed to determine whether a plant culture method on non-solid media could be used as an alternative for inoculation of Acacia mangium with selected strains of Bradyrhizobium spp. A. mangium seedlings were grown and inoculated with Bradyrhizobium strain Aust13c and strain Tel2 in hydroponics, aeroponics and sand. Aeroponics was found to be the best system of the three, allowing the production of tree saplings 1 m in height after only 4 months in culture. Moreover, compared to plants grown in liquid or sand media, aeroponically grown saplings inoculated with Bradyrhizobium spp. developed a very high number of small nodules distributed all along the root system, resulting in an increase in nitrogen and chlorophyll content in plant tissues. We propose aeroponics as an alternative method to classical soil inoculation procedures for the production of hypernodulated legume tree saplings. Received: 18 July 1996     

Effect of high temperature on plasmid curing of Rhizobium spp. in relation to nodulation of pigeonpea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.]

Summary Fifty-six isolates of Rhizobium and Bradyrhizobium spp. (Cajanus) were studied for their plasmid profile and N₂-fixation efficacy. One to three plasmids were reproducibly detected in all the Rhizobium spp. strains but no plasmid was detected in the Bradyrhizobium spp. strains. Rhizobium sp. strain P-1 was mutagenized by Tn5 and three nod^– and six nod⁺fix^– were screened for symbiotic parameters. Neomycin-sensitive mutants were isolated by elevated temperatrue (40°C) from tranconjugants carrying Tn5 insertions. The high temperature cured these mutants from the single large plasmid present in the parent strain P-1. All these cured mutants were nod^–, indicating that the genes for nodulation were present on this plasmid, which is readily cured at a high temperature (40°C). The high temperature in the semi-arid zones of Haryana could be responsible for the low nodulation of pigeonpea because the plasmid carrying the nodulation genes is cured at 40°–45°C giving rise to non-nodulating mutants.     

Litter decomposition of Acacia auriculiformis Cunn. Ex Benth. and Acacia mangium Willd. under coconut trees on quaternary sandy soils in Ivory Coast

Litter decomposition of Acacia auriculiformis and Acacia mangium on sandy soil under coconut trees was studied in a field trial using the litterbag technique. The study was conducted during 2001 and 2002 in Ivory Coast. Litterbags containing 450 g of dried leaves and 450 g of dried small stems were set up in two coconut plantations of different ages, 3 and 20 years old. Dry matter weight and concentrations of total nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), magnesium (Mg), and C/N ratio were determined at 90, 180, 270, and 360 days. The decomposition rate constant (k) and the half-life time decomposition of dry matter (T ¹/₂) were calculated. The study showed that A. auriculiformis and A. mangium have the same rate of decomposition on each coconut plantation. The k value varied from −1.592 day⁻¹ to −1.492 day⁻¹. The half-life time decomposition value of dry matter (T ¹/₂) ranged from 283 to 301 days. Nitrogen was released between 0 and 180 days with an N concentration for A. auriculiformis and A. mangium varying from 2.03 to 1.80% and 1.97 to 1.79%, respectively. After 180 days, the litters immobilized N. Phosphorus and Mg were released faster from A. mangium than from A. auriculiformis. A positive correlation was found between the N concentration of each Acacia species and the litter dry weight at 90 and 180 days. Likewise, C/N ratio was positively correlated with litter dry weight at 90 days.     

Co-inoculation of Acacia mangium with Glomus intraradices and Bradyrhizobium sp. in aeroponic culture

Acacia mangium grown in aeroponic culture was co-inoculated with selected strains of Bradyrhizobium sp. and Glomus intraradices. A single-step technique using alginate as an embedding and sticking agent for an inoculum composed of arbuscular mycorrhiza (AM)-infected sheared roots was used to infect plants. This method resulted in the successful establishment of AM in 100% of the inoculated plants after 7 weeks. The results indicated that dual microbial inoculation with Glomus intraradices strain S-043 and Bradyrhizobium strain AUST 13C stimulated the growth of A. mangium in aeroponic culture. The effects of single and dual microbial inoculations were also evaluated at two levels of P in the nutrient medium. A concentration of 5 mg P kg^–1 stimulated the development of AM without affecting plant development or establishment of Bradyrhizobium symbiosis. In contrast, saplings supplemented with a higher concentration of P (25 mg kg^–1) alone or co-inoculated with Bradyrhizobium had lower AM frequencies.     

Comparative growth and symbiotic performance of four Acacia mangium provenances from Papua New Guinea in response to the supply of phosphorus at various concentrations

Plant growth performance, the P content in root and nodule tissues, and nodulation and N₂-fixing ability were studied in four provenances of Acacia mangium from Papua New Guinea following different levels of P fertilizer application. A. mangium did not seem to need high levels of P for growth and N₂ fixation. The response by this leguminous tree to the P supply varied significantly according to provenance and to P concentrations in the culture solution. The provenances of A. mangium were classified into three types according to their P response: (1) Growth performance, nodulation, and N₂ fixation of plants were stimulated as concentrations of P increased (provenance PH 482); (2) the maximal effect of P on plant growth was found only at P concentrations higher than 500 M (provenance PH 484); and (3) the plant response to P fertilization was low, even with nutrient solutions containing P concentratins higher than 500 M (provenances PH 483 and PH 485). Provenance PH 483 was distinguished by its low nodulating ability. However, this provenance grew well, probably because of its high N₂ fixation efficiency as expressed by specific acetylene reduction activity and its high P content in nodule tissues. Therefore, in certain cases, these two parameters may be useful criteria in selecting leguminous plants for field use. Statistical analyses of the study results showed that the effect of the factor P supply on N₂ fixation efficiency and nodule development was only significant at P concentrations lower than 250 M whereas the effect of the factor plant provenance was significant regardless of the P concentration used. This observation emphasizes the value of provenance screening in the identification of plants for use in a wide range of soil types.     

Effect of phosphorus fertilization on blue-green algal inoculum production and nitrogen yield under field conditions

Summary Field experiments were conducted to assess the effects of the application of P on growth and N yield of inoculated and indigenous blue-green algae (BGA). Addition of 17.4 kg P ha^–1 in split applications led to the highest BGA biomass and N yield, 162 kg dry weight ha^–1 and 6 kg N ha^–1 per 15 days, respectively. When inoculum of Aulosira spp., Aphanothece spp., Gloeotrichia spp. were compared separately, Gloeotrichia spp. grew faster but Aulosira spp. fixed more N. The growth rate and N yield of Aulosira spp. decreased with high P applications, although growth continued until the application of 34.8 kg P ha^–1. The effects of P on inoculum production by local species compared with those collected from other states showed the superiority of the local culture. Applications of P also enhanced the growth and N yield of indigenous BGA, with Wollea spp. showing the best results.     

Competition among strains of Bradyrhizobium and vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhizae for groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) root infection and their effect on plant growth and yield

Summary Strains of Bradyrhizobium influenced root colonization by a species of vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhizae (VAM), and species of VAM influenced root nodulation by strains of Bradyrhizobium in pot experiments. In a field experiment, the effects of VAM on competition amongst inoculated bradyrhizobia were less evident, but inoculation with Bradyrhizobium strains increased root colonization by VAM. Certain VAM/Bradyrhizobium inoculum strain combinations produced higher nodule numbers. Plants grown without Bradyrhizobium and VAM, but supplied with ammonium nitrate (300 g ml^–1) and potassium phosphate (16 g ml^–1), produced higher dry-matter yields than those inoculated with both symbionts in the pot experiment. Inoculation with either symbiont in the field did not result in higher pod and haulm yields at harvest.ICRISAT Journal Article No. 886     

Effect of nitrogen levels and Rhizobium strains on symbiotic N2 fixation and grain yield of Phaseolus vulgaris L. genotypes in normal and saline-sodic soils

Summary Following screening, selection, characterization, and symbiotic N₂ fixation with 12,5, 25.0, and 40.0 mg N kg^–1 in normal and saline-sodic soils, only two Phaseolus vulgaris genotypes (HUR 137 and VL 63) and two Rhizobium spp. strains (ND 1 and ND 2) produced maximum nodulation, nitrogenase activity, plant N contents, and grain yields in saline-sodic soil, with 12.5 mg N kg^–1, compared with the other strains. However, interactions between strains (USDA 2689, USDA 2674, and ND 5) and genotypes (PDR 14, HUR 15, and HUR 138) were significant and resulted in more nodulation, and greater plant N contents, nitrogenase activity, and grain yields in normal soils with 12.5 mg N kg^–1 compared with salt-tolerant strains. Higher levels of N inhibited nodulation and nitrogenase activity without affecting grain yields. To achieve high crop yields from saline-sodic and normal soils in the plains area, simultaneous selection of favourably interacting symbionts is necessary for N economy, so that bean yields can be increased by the application of an active symbiotic system.     

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     

Trace gas emissions from soil of the central highlands of Mexico as affected by natural vegetation: a laboratory study

In the central highlands of Mexico, mesquite (Prosopis laevigata) and huisache (Acacia schaffneri), N₂-fixing trees or shrubs, dominate the vegetation and are currently used in a reforestation program to prevent erosion. We investigated how natural vegetation or cultivation of soil affected oxidation of CH₄, and production of N₂O. Soil was sampled under the canopy of mesquite (MES treatment) and huisache trees (HUI treatment), outside their canopy (OUT treatment) and from fields cultivated with maize (ARA treatment) at three different sites while production of CO₂, and dynamics of CH₄, N₂O and inorganic N (NH₄⁺, and NO₃^–) were monitored in an aerobic incubation. The production of CO₂ was 2.3 times higher and significantly greater in the OUT treatment, 3.0 times higher in the MES treatment and 4.0 times higher in the HUI treatment compared to the ARA treatment. There was no significant difference in oxidation of CH₄ between the treatments, which ranged from 0.019 g CH₄–C kg^–1 day^–1 for the HUI treatment to 0.033 CH₄–C kg^–1 day^–1 for the MES treatment. The production of N₂O was 30 g N₂O–N kg^–1 day^–1 in the MES treatment and >8 times higher compared to the other treatments. The average concentration of NO₃^– was 2 times higher and significantly greater in the MES treatment than in the HUI treatment, 3 times greater than in the OUT treatment and 10 times greater than in the ARA treatment. It was found that cultivation of soil decreased soil organic matter content, C and N mineralization, but not oxidation of CH₄ or production of N₂O.     

Competition between inoculated and indigenous Rhizobium/Bradyrhizobium spp. strains for nodulation of grain and fodder legumes in Pakistan

Summary The competitive ability of inoculated and indigenous Rhizobium/Bradyrhizobium spp. to nodulate and fix N₂ in grain legumes (Glycine max, Vigna unguiculata, Phaseolus vulgaris) and fodder legumes (Vicia sativa, Medicago sativa, and Trifolium subterraneum) was studied in pots with two local soils collected from two different fields on the basis of cropping history. The native population was estimated by a most-probable-number plant infectivity test in growth pouches and culture tubes. The indigenous rhizobial/bradyrhizobial population ranged from 3 to 2×10⁴ and 0 to 4.4×10³ cells g^-1 in the two soils (the first with, the second without a history of legume cropping). Inoculated G. max, P. vulgaris, and T. subterraneum plants had significantly more nodules with a greater nodule mass than uninoculated plants, but N₂ fixation was increased only in G. max and P. vulgaris. A significant response to inoculation was observed in the grain legume P. vulgaris in the soil not previously used to grow legumes, even in the presence of higher indigenous population (>10³ cells g^-1 soil of Rhizobium leguminosarum bv phaseoli). No difference in yield was observed with the fodder legumes in response to inoculation, even with the indigenous Rhizobium sp. as low as <14 cells g^-1 soil and although the number and weight of nodules were significantly increased by the inoculation in T. subterraneum. Overall recovery of the inoculated strains was 38–100%, as determined by a fluorescent antibody technique. In general, the inoculation increased N₂ fixation only in 3 out of 12 legume species-soil combinations in the presence of an indigenous population of rhizobial/bradyrhizobial strains.     

Evaluation of nitrogen fixation by different strains of theAzolla-Anabaena symbiosis in the presence of a high level of ammonium

Summary The proportion of N derived from N₂ fixation for 99 strains ofAzolla spp. (comprising all known species) in the presence of ammonium (40 mg/1) was assessed using a¹⁵N-dilution technique. The percentage of N derived from air varied from 29.5% to 79.9%. Although the N concentration ofAzolla spp. was not correlated with fertilizer N, it correlated fairly well with N₂ fixation. Regression analysis suggests that the N yield ofAzolla spp. is more dependent on N₂ fixation than on ammonium assimilation. The high correlation between N yield and isotopically determined, fixed N₂ indicates that the N yield could be used as a parameter in the selection ofAzolla spp. strains that are capable of maintaining high N₂ fixation in the presence of a high level of ammonium.     

Maize genotype effects on the response to Azospirillum inoculation

Two field experiments were carried out in Northern Argentina, during the 1989–1990 and 1990–1991 growing seasons, on Argentinian and Brazilian maize genotypes. The inoculant consisted of a mixture of four Azospirillum brasilense strain isolated from surface-sterilized maize roots in Argentina and three A. lipoferum strains isolated from surface-sterilized maize or sorghum roots in Brazil. Establishment of the inoculated strains was confirmed by the antibiotic resistance of the strains in the highest dilution vials. In all treatments, numbers of Azospirillum spp. were increased and the inoculated strains were found in the highest dilutions. While grain yields of the different genotypes varied between 1700 and 7300 kg ha^-1, total N accumulation was much less variable. Significant inoculation effects on total N accumulation and on grain yields were consistently negative with one Argentinian genotype and positive with four Argentinian and two Brazilian genotypes. Significant inoculation effects on leaf nitrate reductase activity at the flowering stage, observed in the range-55% to +176%, indicated the presence of various interactions between the plant NO _inf3 ^sup- metabolism and Azospirillum spp. Three Brazilian and one Argentinian maize genotype showed significant decreases in leaf nitrate reductase due to inoculation while four Argentinian genotypes showed significant increases in leaf nitrate reductase activity. The results of the present study, were consistent over the two field experiments and strongly indicate that more detailed plant genotype-Azospirillum spp. strain interaction studies, taking the entire N metabolism in the plant into account, are needed to allow better inoculation results of cereal crops.     

Spatial structures of N2O, CO2, and CH4 fluxes from Acacia mangium plantation soils during a relatively dry season in Indonesia

We investigated spatial structures of N₂O, CO₂, and CH₄ fluxes during a relatively dry season in an Acacia mangium plantation stand in Sumatra, Indonesia. The fluxes and soil properties were measured at 1-m intervals in a 1 × 30-m plot (62 grid points) and at 10-m intervals in a 40 × 100-m plot (55 grid points) at different topographical positions of the upper plateau, slope, and valley bottom in the plantation. Spatial structures of each gas flux and soil property were identified using geostatistical analysis. The means (±SD) of N₂O, CO₂, and CH₄ fluxes in the 10-m grids were 0.54 (±0.33) mg N m⁻² d⁻¹, 2.81 (±0.71) g C m⁻² d⁻¹, and −0.84 (±0.33) mg C m⁻² d⁻¹, respectively. This suggests that A. mangium soils function as a larger source of N₂O than natural forest soils in the adjacent province on Sumatra during the relatively dry season, while CO₂ and CH₄ emissions from the A. mangium soils were less than or consistent with those in the natural forest soils. Multiple spatial dependence of N₂O fluxes within 3.2 m (1-m grids) and 35.0 m (10-m grids), and CO₂ fluxes within 1.8 m (1-m grids) and over 65 m (10-m grids) was detected. From the relationship among N₂O and CO₂ gas fluxes, soil properties, and topographic elements, we suggest that the multiple spatial structures of N₂O and CO₂ fluxes are mainly associated with soil resources such as readily mineralizable carbon and nitrogen in a relatively dry season. The soil resource distributions were probably controlled by the meso- and microtopography. Meanwhile, CH₄ fluxes were spatially independent in the A. mangium soils, and the water-filled pore space appeared to mainly control the spatial distribution of these fluxes.     

Rhizobium sp. exopolysaccharide production,nodulation, and acetylene reduction activity (N2-fixation) in pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan L.)

Summary There was no correlation between the quantity of exopolysaccharide produced and acetylene reduction activity by Rhizobium spp. or by Bradyrhizobium spp. (Cajanus). The exopolysaccharide-defective mutants of Rhizobium sp. strain P 116 either failed to nodulate or showed a decrease in effectiveness. The deficiency in exopolysaccharide production was corrected by the addition of purified exopolysaccharide from the parent strain, or from Bradyrhizobium sp. strain P 149 or S24 isolated from pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan) and mungbean (Vigna radiata), respectively. However, the nodules so formed were not fully effective compared to those formed by the parent strain.     

Variation in nodulation and N2 fixation by the Gliricidia sepium/Rhizobium spp. symbiosis in a calcareous soil

Summary Variation in nodulation and N₂ fixation by the Gliricidia sepium/Rhizobium spp. symbiosis was studied in two greenhouse experiments. The first included 25 provenances of G. sepium inoculated with a mixture of three strains of Rhizobium spp. N₂ fixation was measured using the ¹⁵N isotope dilution method 12 weeks after planting. On average, G. sepium derived 45% of its total N from atmospheric N₂. Significant differences in fixation were observed between provenances. The percentage of N derived from atmospheric N₂ ranged from 26 to 68% (equivalent to 18–62 mg N plant^-1) and was correlated with total N in the plant (r=0.70; P=0.05). The second experiment included six strains of Rhizobium spp. and two methods of inoculation and the plants were harvested 14,35 and 53 weeks after planting. In the first harvest significant differences were found between the number of nodules and the percentage and amount of N₂ fixed. There was also a significant correlation between the number of nodules and the amount of N₂ fixed (r=0.92; P=0.05). In the final harvest no correlation was observed, although there were significant differences between the number of nodules and the percentage of N derived from the atmosphere. The amount of N₂ fixed increased with time (from an average of 27% at the first harvest to 58% at the final harvest) and was influenced by the Rhizobium spp. strain and the method of inoculation. It ranged from 36% for Rhizobium sp. strain SP 14 to 71% for Rhizobium SP 44 at the last harvest. Values for the percentage of atmosphere derived N₂ obtained by soil inoculation were slightly higher than those obtained by seed inoculation.     

Population size and N2-fixing activity of native peanut rhizobia in soils of Thailand

Summary The objective of this study was to assess the number and effectiveness of peanut rhizobia in soils of the major peanut-growing areas of Thailand. Three cropping areas, (1) continuously cropped with peanuts, (2) continuously cropped with non-legumes, and (3) non-cultivated fields, were chosen in each region. Peanut rhizobia were found in the soil at 38 to 55 sites sampled. Cultivated fields with a peanut cultivation history contained (as estimated by most probable numbers) an average of 1.6×10³ cells g^-1 of soil. The numbers of peanut rhizobia in most of the fallow fields and some of the noncultivated shrub or forest locations were much the same as at the sites where Arachis hypogaea was cultivated. In contrast, there were no or few (28–46 cells g^-1 soil) peanut rhizobia in the majority of fields continuously cultivated with sugarcane, cassava, corn, and pineapple. It appears that in these areas the indigenous peanut rhizobial populations are not adequate in number for a maximal nodulation of peanuts. A total of 343 Bradyrhizobium isolates were tested for effectiveness and were found to vary widely in their ability to fix N₂. In some areas the majority of rhizobia were quite effective while in others they were less effective than the inoculum strain THA 205 recommended in Thailand.     

Nodulation pattern and acetylene reduction (nitrogen fixation) activity of some highland and lowland Acacia species of Ethiopia

 Endosymbionts from the Ethiopian highland acacia species Acacia abyssinica, A. negrii and A. etbaica, and the lowland species A. nilotica, A. prasinata, A.senegal, A. seyal, A. tortilis and Faidherbia (Acacia) albida were isolated and characterized. Seven tree species were found to be nodulated by species of both Rhizobium and Bradyrhizobium. F. (Acacia) albida and A. senegal were nodulated by only Bradyrhizobium or Rhizobium, respectively. In A. abyssinica, both genera were isolated from the same nodule, whereas in A. nilotica and A. tortilis, both strains were isolated from different nodules of the same plant. The nitrogen fixation (acetylene reduction) activities varied considerably and showed no correlation with the nitrogen content of the plant. Highland species were as effective as lowland plants, thus demonstrating good potential for soil reclamation. The endosymbionts isolated proved rather promiscuous, efficiently nodulating other Acacia spp. and some tropical grain legumes, but did not nodulate temperate legumes. Received: 7 August 1997     

Green manure production of Azolla microphylla and Sesbania rostrata and their long-term effects on rice yields and soil fertility

Summary Azolla spp. and Sesbania spp. can be used as green manure crops for wetland rice. A long-term experiment was started in 1985 to determine the effects of organic and urea fertilizers on wetland rice yields and soil fertility. Results of 10 rice croppings are reported. Azolla sp. was grown for 1 month and then incorporated before transplanting the rice and 3–4 weeks after transplanting the rice. Sesbania rostrata was grown for 7–9 weeks and incorporated only before transplanting the rice. Sesbania sp. grew more poorly before dry season rice than before wet season rice. Aeschynomene afraspera, which was used in one dry season rice trial, produced a larger biomass than the Sesbania sp. The quantity of N produced by the Azolla sp. ranged from 70 to 110 kg N ha^-1. The Sesbania sp. produced 55–90 kg N ha^-1 in 46–62 days. Rice grain yield increases in response to the green manure were 1.8–3.9 t ha^-1, similar to or higher than that obtained in response to the application of 60 kg N ha^-1 as urea. Grain production per unit weight of absorbed N was lower in the green manure treatments than in the urea treatment. Without N fertilizer, N uptake by rice decreased as the number of rice crops increased. For similar N recoveries, Sesbania sp. required a lower N concentration than the Azolla sp. did. Continuous application of the green manure increased the organic N content in soil on a dry weight basis, but not on a area basis, because the application of green manure decreased soil bulk density. Residual effects in the grain yield and N uptake of rice after nine rice crops were found with a continuous application of green manure but not urea.     

Differential responses of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) — Rhizobium combinations to saline soil conditions

Summary Chickpea cultivars (Cicer arietinum L.) and their symbiosis with specific strains of Rhizobium spp. were examined under salt stress. The growth of rhizobia declined with NaCl concentrations increasing from 0.01 to 2% (w : v). Two Rhizobium spp. strains (F-75 and KG 31) tolerated 1.5% NaCl. Of the 10 chickpea cultivars examined, only three (Pusa 312, Pusa 212, and Pusa 240) germinated at 1.5% NaCl. The chickpea — Rhizobium spp. symbiosis was examined in the field, with soil varying in salinity from electrical conductivity (EC) 4.5 to EC 5.2 dSm^-1, to identify combinations giving satisfactory yields. Significant interactions between strains and cultivars caused differential yields of nodules, dry matter, and grain. Four chickpea — Rhizobium spp. combinations, Pusa 240 and F-75 (660 kg ha^-1), Pusa 240 and IC 76 (440 kg ha^-1), Pusa 240 and KG 31 (390 kg ha^-1), and Pusa 312 and KG 31 (380 kg ha^-1), produced significantly higher grain yields in saline soil.