Specificity and nitrogen fixation in the rhizobium symbiosis of Centrosema pubescens Benth.

Abstract

The plant and bacterial interactions in legume symbiosis have been studied for the tropical legume Centrosema pubescens Benth. and incidental data on nodulation and symbiosis of other tropical legumes also obtained. The agricultural significance of promiscuity and specificity in nodulation is discussed. The legume with highly specific requirements, while being difficult to establish without inoculation by selected strains, may be more free of competition effects when inoculated seed is sown.