Biogeographic distribution of chickpea rhizobia in the world

Abstract Chickpea is the second most important legume in the world and it can be nodulated with diverse rhizobial species and form root nodules. Mesorhizobium ciceri and Mesorhizobium mediterraneum were the most prevalent species in many places of the world while they were not found in China where only Mesorhizobium muleiense and Mesorhizobium wenxiniae were reported. It indicated a clear geographic distribution of the chickpea rhizobia. In addition, it is evident from the studies that Rhizobium inoculation has positive impact on the growth, symbiotic parameters, yield and yield attributes in chickpea. Especially during the introduction of chickpea to some regions where it has never been planted, rhizobial inoculation is necessary as it always lacks of indigenous chickpea rhizobia in the local soil. The inoculation of highly efficient rhizobia will improve the quality, nutrition, yields and food safety of chickpea and considerably decrease chemical nitrogen and pesticides usage and increase farmers’ income.