Effect of seedling inoculation of Mimosa caesalpinifolia on its establishment and development in the field

Abstract

Cross inoculation tests with fast growing and alcali producing Rhizobium strains isolated from nodules of Mimosa caesalpinifolia showed specificity for this plant. In a field experiment highly significant differences were observed between seedlings from an inoculated seed bed and those from a seed bed with manure and without inoculation. After 7 months the percentage of individual plant beds with living plants in the plots with inoculated seedling was 94% while that of the not inoculated seedlings was 52%. The inoculated seedlings also grew faster than the uninoculated ones. After 7 months the average height of the inoculated seedlings was 59 cm as against 40 cm for the uninoculated ones. Direct seeding, in plant holes, of inoculated and lime pelleted seeds resulted in intermediate establishment (78% plant boles with living plants after 7 months) but growth and development was slow. Direct broadcast seeding of inoculated and lime pelleted seeds resulted in slow germination and unsatisfactory growth.