Potential of <I>Frankia</I> in Enhancing the Yield of Casuarinas

Abstract

Casuarinas, the non-leguminous plants of tropics, with their rapid growth and nitrogen-fixing ability are the most suited for planting on nitrogen-deficit soils. Knowledge of host-Frankia association needs to be improved to increase the productivity of the Casuarinas. The research efforts should be geared towards increasing the nitrogen-fixation potential of plants and actual nitrogen fixation in field. To achieve this, superior biotypes need to be selected and tested at various locations with references to high ANF capacities. The selected biotypes can be propagated through conventional and non-conventional methods. Yield of superior biotypes can further be improved by the introduction of effective Frankia strains which have tolerance to drought and salt.