Screening of Rhizobium Ciceri for Siderophore Production and Iron Availability

Twenty-two strains of Rhizohium ciceri were screened for their ability to produce siderophores by Universal chemical method using chrome azurol S (CAS) agar plates and CAS assay solution. AH strains except a mutant Ca401RW5 were found to be siderophore producers. Selected strains were tested for symbiotic effectivity under chillum jar conditions. Strain Cal81 was found most effective in terms of symbiotic nitrogen fixation in absence as well added iron. Addition of iron stimulated nodule fresh weight and symbiotic effectivity.