Grain field of Fiord faba bean in relation to strain of Rhizobium

Drill-sown field experiments were established in 1988 at each of 6 sites in the cereal districts of South Australia to assess the responses of Fiord faba bean to inoculation with 2 different strains of Rhizobium. Each trial was sown and managed in co-operation with a farmer using standard farm equipment. The 4 inoculation treatments imposed were: no inoculation; Group E, strain SU 391; strain SU 303; SU 391 + SU 303. Samples were taken during early vegetative growth for determination of nodulation, nodule activity and plant dry weight. Inoculation significantly (P<0.05) improved nodulation, with SU 303 being better than SU 391, but early plant growth did not respond to inoculation. Grain yield at the end of the season was improved an average of 20% by inoculation; 15% for SU 391 and 28 % for SU 303. It is concluded that SU 303 is a better inoculant for Fiord faba bean than the present Group E inoculant, strain SU 391.