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Aims: To test the hypothesis that differences in chickpea yields obtained in four distinct Portuguese regions (Beja, Elvas‐Casas Velhas, Elvas‐Estação Nacional de Melhoramento de Plantas (ENMP) and Évora) could be due to variation between the natural rhizobia populations.

Methods and Results: Estimation of the size of the different rhizobial populations showed that Elvas‐ENMP population was the largest one. Elvas‐ENMP population also revealed a higher proportion of isolates carrying more than one plasmid. Assessment of genetic diversity of the native rhizobia populations by a DNA fingerprinting PCR method, here designated as DAPD (Direct Amplified Polymorphic DNA), showed a higher degree of variation in Elvas‐ENMP and Beja populations. The symbiotic effectiveness (SE) of 39 isolates was determined and ranged 13–34%. Statistical analysis showed that SE was negatively …