Physiological quality and grain production of Phaseolus vulgaris (cv. BRS Pérola) using boron (B) application under irrigatation system

Some aspects of the micronutrients management in common bean under boron fertilization in tropical agroecosystems are still poorly understood. The aim of this work was to evaluate the physiological quality and grain production of common bean using different B sources and dose applications, cultivated under irrigated system. The experimental design was a randomized block, in a factorial scheme 2 x 5 x 3, with two sources of B (boric acid containing 17% of B applied in leaves and FTE (fritted trace elements) and BR-12 including 1.8% of B, applied on the soil) with five doses of each source: 0 (control), 2, 4, 6 and 8 kg ha-1, with three repetitions. Each plot had a total area of 5.06 m2 (2.25m x 2.25m). The stomatal conductance and transpiration were reduced by increasing B doses, mainly when boric acid was used. Results showed that application of boric acid at 8 kg ha-1 of B reduced grain production about 21%. However, application of 6 kg ha-1 FTE BR 12 on the soil promoted grain production. However, application of 6 kg ha-1 of B using FTE (fritted trace elements) BR-12 as a source on the soil, promoted higher production and differential profit (618 US$ ha-1). Therefore, these sources and doses are recommended to common beans under irrigation systems in Brazilian Savanna agroecosystems.