Beltsville Rhizobium study and Collection Center; annual progress report

Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rhizobium Study and Collection Center. A total of 312 strains of R. japonicum and R. phaseoli from Yugoslavia, Brazil, Australia, Panama, and China were screened and added to the collection; 27 cultures from the Nitragain Company were deposited for safe keeping; 508 cultures were distributed in response to 57 requests; and 200 copies of a catalogue of rhizobium strains in the USDA collection were distributed to researchers. Three researchers were trained. A Thai researcher received instruction in inoculant preparation in peat and screening of strains for competitiveness in nodule occupancy; a Tanzanian was taught general strain evaluation, including laboratory, greenhouse and field procedures; and a scientist from China was trained in serology, competitiveness methodology and field design and trials. Field trials were conducted on rhizobium"s effects on peanuts, soybeans, and lima beans.