Effectiveness evaluation of some native Rhizobia on Faba bean yield in Iran

Rhizobium leguminosarum bv. viciae has a symbiotic relationship with faba bean and have ability to fix nitrogen biologically. A field experiment was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of seven different strains of Rhizobium leguminosarum bv. Viciae on growth and yield of faba bean. The inoculums were prepared as powdery forms and they were used for seed inoculation. The field experiment was carried out on the basis of randomized complete block design (RCD) in four replications as following: 7 inoculants (different strains of R. leguminosarum bv. Viciae)، 100 and 200 kg. h-1 of nitrogen and control. The field experiments were conducted for two years in research center of Khuzestan، Lorestan، Mazandaran and Golestan provinces. In addition، the selected strains were evaluated in farmers’ fields in third years. The results showed that the faba bean yield increased maximum by 69 and average by 20 percent over control due to the inoculation. Application of inoculums in the farmers’ fields increased seed yield and nitrogen uptake of shoot by 30% and 65% respectively. Finally، two isolates were recommended as Rhizobium inoculum for fields under cultivation of faba bean in Iran.