(01-12) Elsalahi et al (2016) Rhizobium Biofertilizer (Okadin) Production and Future Prospects in Sudan

Randa H. Elsalahi*, Somaya S. Mohamed, Ashraf M. Sherif and Awad G. Osman
Environment, Natural Resources and Desertification Research Institute, National Centre for Research, P.O. Box 6096, Khartoum, Sudan
*Corresponding Author: randa_9123@hotmail.com

Accepted: 1st December 2016, Published: 31st December 2016
Abstract
This article summarizes all aspects concerning production of the Rhizobium biofertilizer “Okadin” taking place at the Environment, Natural Resources and Desertification Research Institute (ENDRI), National Centre for Research (NCR), Khartoum, as a pivotal activity evaluated from the viewpoint of its actual status regarding production, expansion and the future roadmap. Research carried out to evaluate the effects of Rhizobium inoculation on different leguminous crops in Sudan were reviewed; besides brief historical accounts on Okadin (inoculant) production including, selection of the efficient bacterial isolates, best carrier from the abundant local materials, storage conditions, commercial production, marketing and the future prospects. The efforts done to disseminate the technology of Okadin application among farmers and producers in public and private sectors through various routes, particularly training courses, extension programs and on-farm trials, were highlighted. Moreover, the economic benefits due to Rhizobium inoculation were equally stressed. Such economic values were represented by the increasing demand from 142 to 6008 ha/year between 1992 and 2015, which has been reflected in expanding Okadin production and commercialization. Consequently, an improvement in yield quantity (ranged between 9.5 - 50%) as well as yield quality of several leguminous crops, were attained. It is concluded that local habitats are rich in a diversity of beneficial microorganisms with vital potentialities in sustainable agriculture, which entails extensive research works to be screened and utilized efficiently in producing economically feasible and environmentally sound biofertilizers.
Keywords: Fertilizer, efficiency, carrier, legumes, economic, quality.

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