Assessing the interaction between acid-tolerant strains of rhizobia and field pea, Tamworth 2020

Abstract

Key points • New rhizobial strains need to be stringently tested in a wide variety of environments before any recommendations can be made about their potential use. • The field pea variety Sturt[PBR] was inoculated with two acid-tolerant strains of rhizobia (SRDI969 or WSM4643) and grown over the 2020 winter season at Tamworth in an alkaline red–brown soil. The root nodulation and grain yield of these inoculated peas was compared to that of uninoculated peas and of peas inoculated with the current Group F, commercial inoculant (WSM1455). The highest recorded nodulation score was where peas were inoculated with the acid-tolerant rhizobia strain SRDI969. • Field pea yields in 2020 were low, most probably limited by the hard-setting, redbrown soil in which the crop was grown. • Results from this trial will contribute towards efforts to deliver improved rhizobial strains to industry that can increase grain legume adaptation and production.