Isolates from 12 legumes at three sites in Victoria showed a wide range of morphological, cultural, symbiotic, and serological properties. Isolates from Acacia longifolia var. sophorae and Kennedia prostrata were fast growing but nodulated ineffectively Macroptilium atropurpureum and all native legumes except Swainsonia lessertiifolia. Isolates from S. lessertiifolia showed anomalous properties...

The effect of cross linking of the protein isolates of three legumes with the microbial enzyme transglutaminase (EC 2.3.2.13) on the functional properties at different NaCl concentration was studied. The reduction in the total free amino groups (OD340) of the polymerized protein showed that TGase treatment cross-linking the protein subunit of each legume. The solubility of the protein polymer o...

Nitrogen, particularly nitrate is an important yield determinant for crops. However, current agricultural practice with excessive fertilizer usage has detrimental effects on the environment. Therefore, legumes have been suggested as a sustainable alternative for replenishing soil nitrogen. Legumes can uniquely form nitrogen-fixing nodules through symbiotic interaction with specialized soil bact...

Of the most important food legumes grown world over, chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.), lentil (Lens culinaris Medik.), faba bean (Vicia faba L.), grasspea (Lathyrus sativus L.) and field pea (Pisum sativum L.) are grown in cool season, while pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.), blackgram (Vigna mungo (L.) Hepper), mungbean (V. radiata (L.) Wilczek), horsegram (Macrotyloma uniflorum (Lam.) Verdc...

Pulse, pasture and grain legumes are important for maintaining productivity in many agricultural systems. The formation of effective nitrogen-fixing symbioses between legumes and root nodule bacteria is essential for many legumes in agriculture. In many situations, soil inoculation with effective strains of root nodule bacteria is required for maximising legume yields. A key strategy to enhance...

Grazing lands in warm-temperate and subtropical North America have become less diverse. Pastures are typically grass monocultures, while rangelands are generally managed for the grass components. Overstocking, selective herbicides, fire exclusion and heavy rates of nitrogen fertilizer have contributed to near exclusion of native, warm-season legumes. The simplicity of managing grass monoculture...

Because of the protein content of their seeds, grain legumes, pseudocereals, and other crops are candidates to satisfy the growing demand for plant protein for food and feed. Crop production worldwide is highly specialized and currently relies on a very small number of species, raising questions about the sustainability of farming (Tilman et al., 2002). The role of legumes in nutrition has been...

Plant Species and Variety Forage quality refers to digestible nutrient content (i.e., energy, protein), palatability and digestibility of the forage plant. Legumes (alfalfa, medics, cloves, vetch) are the highest quality group of forage grown in pastures. They are high in protein, energy (digestibility), and minerals. They also “fix” nitrogen fertilizer, making them very economical to grow. Inc...