SOIL FERTILITY AND GENOTYPE AFFECT YIELD COMPONENTS AND MINERAL GRAIN CONCENTRATION OF COMMON BEANS (Phaseolus vulgaris L.)

Abstract

Background: The common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) crop is grown all over the world, in cropping systems with a wide range of technology use. These differences lead to interactions between genotype and environment, resulting in yield variations when the crop is submitted to different environmental conditions. Low use of fertilizers and other inputs in crops managed by undercapitalized farmers significantly reduce yield potential of common beans. Objective: The objective of this work was to assess agronomic parameters and foliar and mineral composition of common bean cultivars planted under two contrasting soil fertility levels. Methodology: The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse with four common bean varieties: BRS Pontal, BRS Agreste, BRS Ametista, and BRS Estilo.  The plants were grown in low and high fertility soils. Results: Several parameters were affected by soil fertility, including foliar and grain mineral concentration. The cultivars BRS Pontal and BRS Agreste showed overall higher iron content and grain yield. Implications: The use of fertilizers is widespread as a key practice to achieve higher yields, but as shown in this work, adequate fertility is also important to obtain higher concentrations of essential nutrients in grains. Conclusions: Considering that common beans are a staple crop in many regions around the world, providing optimal soil fertilization is fundamental not only to deliver higher yields but also to produce beans with high nutritional levels.