Effect of several Rhizobium strains on nodulation,nitrogen uptake and yield of chickpeas (Cicer arietinum L.)

The effect of soil sterilization, and seed inoculation with three Rhizobium strains (3889, CP5b and IC 26) were studied on 5 chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) genotypes (Jordan local, ILC 72 from Spain, ILC 484 from Turkey, C 235 from India, and ILC 1272 from U.S.A.). The main objective of the work was to investigate the effect of inoculation with different Rhizobium strains on yield, nodulation and other agronomic characteristics of different chickpea genotypes. Inoculation with Rhizobium resulted in a significant increase in grain yield for all genotypes tested. The average increase due to inoculation was 110% over the uninoculated control. Inoculation resulted in more nodules, greater nodule fresh weight and higher nitrogen uptake. The various Rhizobium strains differed in their effects. Genotypes responded differently to inoculation.