INTERACTIVE EFFECTS OF VIRUS AND RHIZOBIUM ON CHICKPEA GENOTYPES GROWN UNDER EGYPTIAN CONDITIONS

Abstract

Chickpea (Cicerarietinum L.) and other pulse crops are staple foods in many countries and play an enhanced role in the diets of vegetarians around the world. Chickpea is cultivated in nearly 56 countries. Chickpea is a good source of energy, protein, minerals, vitamins, fibre, contributes importantly to soil fertility management by serving as a generous source of nitrogen. Chickpea obtains a significant proportion of its N requirement through symbiotic N fixation. Inoculation of chickpea with adequate number of rhizobia results in a significant increase in the number of nodules, nodule dry weight and N fixation.