The Effect of a Preparation Containing Rhizobial Nod Factors on Pea Morphological Traits and Physiology

The aim of the study was to determine the possibility of increasing the pea yields by improving the symbiotic nitrogen fixation through the use of a preparation containing bacterial Nod factors (NFs). Two pea cultivars were included in the experiment: Wiato (with traditional foliage) and Model (afila type). Before sowing, the seeds were soaked in distilled water (control) and in a preparation of Nod factors at a concentration of 10−12 M dm−3 H2O. As a result, of the Nod factor preparation use, an acceleration of the date and uniformity of pea plant emergence was observed. The treatment had also a positive effect on the number and weight of root nodules, which resulted in a significant increase in the yield of vegetative and generative plant organs. A positive effect of seed soaking with NFs preparation was also observed in the dynamics of pea weight increase, chlorophyll content in leaves and the values of gas exchange parameters. Model cultivar of pea had generally higher values of the analysed traits than Wiato, but the response of both cultivars to Nod factors was similar. This means that application of the preparation containing NFs, may improve the growth, development, and yield of both types of pea.