Botany Research International 2 (2): 115-122, 2009 ISSN 2221-3635 © IDOSI Publications, 2009 Corresponding Author: M.S. Rathore, Department of Botany, Biological Nitrogen Fixation (BNF) laboratory, Jai Narain Vyas University, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India-342033 115 Need of Assessing Rhizobia for Their Plant Growth Promoting Activities Associated with Native Wild Legumes Inhabiting Aravalli Ranges of Rajasthan, India M.S. Rathore, N.S. Shekhawat and H.S. Gehlot 1 2 1 Department of Botany, Biological Nitrogen Fixation (BNF) laboratory, 1 Jai Narain Vyas University, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India-342033 Department of Botany, Biotechnology Unit, Jai Narain Vyas University, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India-342033 2 Abstract: The Aravalli region harbor germplasm of a number of species of legumes. Some of these are unique for several reasons as they are endemic. There is scope for introduction of certain legumes which can be cultivated for increasing productivity and income and for increasing productivity of other legumes through introduction of endophytic rhizobia associated with these plants. Nitrogen fixation studies have been largely ignored in native plants as compared to agricultural and industrial crops. There is need for characterization of indigenous microbes associated with economically or medicinally important native pants of Aravallies. The two important legumes namely Mucuna pruriens and Pueraria tuberosa are native to this region. These lianas are also medicinally important. There is very less literature available as per nitrogen fixation studies on these plant species. These plants are important for studies as these are not cultivated legumes. Therefore, researchers have not given much attention to these plants. It may be possible that these plants may harbour those rhizobia which can be important for increasing productivity in cultivated legumes and for large scale multiplication of these plants. Application of non-conventional approaches may further provide information regarding nodulation and plant microbe interactions which will be useful for upgrading the available information. Key words: Aravalli Rhizobia Mucuna pruriens Pueraria tuberosa Nodules Legumes INTRODUCTION their unusual flower structures, podded fruits and the The legumes are incredibly diverse in every way are second only to Gramineae in their importance to imaginable and defy generalization about almost any humans. The 670-750 genera and 18000-20000 species of attribute. Even the characteristic fruit type that gives legumes include important grain, pasture and agro legumes their name is highly variable and ranges from tiny forestry species. single seed forms to meter-long woody pods. Ecologically Legumes are important in different agriculture and the family ranges from rain forests to deserts and from low natural environment. Grain and forage are grown on 2-15% land to Alpine habitats; there are even aquatic species. of the Earth’s arable surface. They account for 27 % of the They include giant forest trees that are prominent sources world’s primary production, with grain legumes alone of timber and expensive woods to tiny annual herbs. contributing 33 % of the dietary protein nitrogen needs of There is tremendous diversity in secondary compounds, humans [4]. Legumes, through their symbiotic abilities can particularly alkaloids; many of them are biologically active play an important role in colonizing disturbed ecosystems. [1]. Despite their close phylogenetic affiliations, the In addition to traditional food forage uses, legumes can be genetic system represents within legumes are diverse milled into flour, used to make bread doughnuts, tortillas, ranging from simple autogamous diploids to complex out- chips, spreads and extruded snacks or used in liquid form crossing polyploidy [2]. Genome sizes also vary widely to produce milks, yogurt and infant formula. Licorice among the legumes [3]. Legumes are simultaneously one (Glycyrrhiza glabra) and soybean candy provide novel of the largest families of crop plants and a corner stone in uses for specific legumes. Legumes have been used biological nitrogen cycle [3]. Legumes broadly defined by industrially to prepare biodegradable plastics, oils, gums, ability of 88 % of species to form nodules with rhizobia,