A cross-introduction study on indigenous rhizobia and selected tree legumes

Abstract

A cross-inoculation study with indigenous rhizobia was carried out on seven host legume species from where they were originally isolated. The legumes included Acacia albida, Acacia mearnsii, Calliandra calothyrsus, Leucena leucocephala, Prosopis juliflora Sesbania grandiflora and Sesbania sesban. The host plant species were variably promiscuous in their rhizobial associates. Conversely rhizobia isolated from Sesbania grandiflora and Sesbania sesban were more specific with their host partners in terms of symbiotic effectiveness.