Advances in the utilization of rhizobia in arid environments

There are numerous poorly known and unexploited rhizobia‐legume symbioses in arid ecosystems. These symbiotic associations have a considerable potential as sources for food, fodder, and energy. Expanded acquisition of information is needed on rhizobial strain specificities, salt and drought resistance, and on inoculation needs and applicable technologies for arid lands. Development of appropriate technologies for maximal protein recovery and for production of legume biomass as an energy source should be implemented. An important aspect is the utilization of molecular genetics for the development of economically improved legume symbioses.