Abundance and Symbiotic Potential of Common Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) Nodule Associated Bacteria in Western Kenya Soil
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Date
2016
Authors
Wekesa, C.
Okun, D.
Juma, K.
Shitabule, D.
Okoth, P.
Nyongesa, P.
Katoo, A.
Mulama, S.
Wamalwa, E.
Mahalo, C.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
MAYFEB
Abstract
Plant growth-promoting Rhizobacteria are beneficial native soil bacteria that colonize plant roots and result in increased
plant growth. Those that colonise the nodules of legumes are known as nodule associated bacteria. The aim of this study
was to determine the effect of chemical soil factors on the abundance of nodule associated bacteria and the symbiotic
efficiency of these bacteria when coinoculated with Phaseolus vulgaris in Western Kenya soils. The soil samples were
collected from cultivated lands in Kisumu near Lake Victoria, slopes of Mt. Elgon and Kakamega. In each of these
regions, the soil samples were collected from four regions. 1ml of soil solution at 10 fold dilution for seven dilution steps
(10-1to 10-7) and three replications for each dilution was used to inoculate common bean seedling in the Leonard jars.
They were harvested after four weeks to determine abundance of nodule associated bacteria using most probable number
plant infection method. Mt. Elgon region had the highest population of nodule associated bacteria (120000 cells per gram
of the soil), followed by Kisumu (1290 cells per gram of the soil) and Kakamega region had the lowest (17 cells per gram
of the soil). The effect of plant growth-promoting Rhizobacteria on the yield of common beans was significantly higher (p
< o.oo1) when co-inoculated with Rhizobia compared to the yield of Rhizobia inoculated alone or negative control (not
inoculated) (p < 0.05). This study therefore provides knowledge on the factors that favour the survival of common bean
symbiotic bacteria and their symbiotic capability which is necessary for production of plant growth-promoting
Rhizobacteria inoculants suitable to the soils of Western Kenya
Description
Research Article
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Citation
MAYFEB Journal of Agricultural Science Vol 1 (2016) - Pages 1-9