Rhizobium forms nodules in the roots of specific leguminous plants and fixes atmospheric nitrogen by symbiotic association.
Soybean: Bradyrhizobium japonicum forms nodules in soybean. We have isolated Bradyrhizobium japonicum (APEXBJ2; GenBank KF279677.1) from Gazipur soil. This isolate was developed into a biofertilizer formulation for nitrogen fixation in soybean. This inoculant has been used for extensive field experiments and trials for four consecutive years (2012-2015) at south and northern regions of Bangladesh. B. japonicum inoculation replaces up to 100% urea application in soybean and increases yield up to 30%. We have applied for government registration for this formulation in 2013.
Other leguminous crops: We are working on developing rhizobium inoculants for lentil, chickpea, mung bean, ground nut and country bean. Our isolates are giving promising results in pot and field trials.
Our expert team is working on develop inoculants from potent PGPR isolates.
