Nodulor capability and agronomic characteristics of common bean plants subjected to fragmented molybdenum and nitrogen fertilization

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the nodular ability and agronomic characteristics of three cultivars of common bean plants subjected to fragmented fertilization with molybdenum and nitrogen. The experimental design was of randomized blocks in a 3 x 7 factorial scheme, corresponding to the three cultivars (Carioca precoce, Rosinha and Ouro negro), and seven molybdic fertilization schemes, with three replications. The Ouro Negro cultivar showed a higher number of nodules and shoot dry-matter compared to Carioca precoce and Rosinha, and the Carioca and Ouro Negro cultivars achieved the highest number of grains per pod, hundred-grain weight and yield, than the Rosinha cultivar after fertilization with molybdenum and nitrogen. Nitrogen fertilization reduced the formation of nodules in the Carioca precoce and Rosinha cultivars, but increased most agronomic characteristics and yield in comparison to molybdic fertilization. However, the fragmented application of molybdenum between 15 and 30 days after emergence (DAE), positively influenced the formation of nodules, leaf-nitrogen levels, the number of grains per pod, hundred-grain weight and yield, compared to molybdenum application by seed, or the absence of fertilization, for the three cultivars studied, indicating that molybdic foliar fertilization is considered essential for increasing the productivity of bean cultivars.