INTERACTION OF SALINITY AND RHIZOBIAL STRAIN ON GROWTH AND N-2-FIXATION BY ACACIA AMPLICEPS

The growth, nodulation and N content of Acncia ampliceps inoculated wi th salt-tolerant Rhizobium PMA63/1 and salt-sensitive Bradyrhizobium P MA37 were compared at salinity levels of 0, 100 and 200 mM NaCl in san d culture. Salinity treatments were imposed 6 wk after sowing. Harvest s were at 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12 wk after sowing. A. ampliceps inoculated with PMA63/1 was less affected in growth, nodule number and N content per plant by 200 mM NaCl than plants inoculated with PMA37. Inoculatio n with a salt-tolerant Rhizobium strain may improve biological N-2-fix ation under saline conditions.