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The Effect of Strain of Rhizobium and of Temperature on Nodulation and Early Growth of Trifolium semipilosum

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  03 October 2008

R. J. Roughley
Affiliation:
NSW Department of Agriculture, Horticultural Research Station, PO Box 720, Gosford, NSW 2250Australia
R. A. Date
Affiliation:
CSIRO, Division of Tropical Crops and Pastures, 306 Carmody Road, St Lucia, Qld 4067, Australia

Summary

The effect of strain of Rhizobium and of temperature on nodule formation and early growth of Trifolium semipilosum was studied in controlled environment cabinets. Time required for nodules to form was affected by strain of Rhizobium and by root temperature, acting independently. Strains CB788 and CB2116 required only 9.5 to 10.0 days, averaging over temperatures, whereas strains CB782 and CB526 required 12.8 to 13.0 days. Nodulation was earliest at whole-plant temperatures of 25/20°C and 30/25°C day/night (average 9.5 days); 15 days were required at 20/15°C. Nodule number was independent of bacterial strain but dependent on temperature; nodules were fewest in the lowest and most in the highest temperature regime. Plant yield was determined by interactions between temperature and strain and was generally greatest at whole plant temperatures of 25/20°C.

When nodulated plants growing at 25°C were transferred to a range of root temperatures, plants grew best at 20° and 25°C and with strains CB782 and CB2116.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1986

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