Does foliar fertilization with zinc enhance physiological pro-cesses and biofortify grains in bean cultivars?

Abstract

Beans are one of the staple grains of the Brazilian diet and are strategic in combating malnutrition, since their grains are rich in iron. However, zinc (Zn) is another relevant micronutrient in issues related to malnutrition, but little is known about it in bean grains. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of foliar fertilization with Zn on physiological and productive processes and grain biofortification in bean cultivars. The experiment was conducted in randomized blocks, in a 10x2 factorial scheme, with 10 bean cultivars (BRS FP403; BRS Campeiro; BRS Esplendor; BRS Esteio; BRS FC310; BRS FC402; BRS FC415; BRS FC409; BRS Estilo and BRS Pérola) fertilized via foliar or not with Zn, with four replicates. The yield components of beans, chlorophyll fluorescence, chlorophylls a, b and total, carotenoids and pigments in leaves and Zn content in leaves and grains were evaluated. The evaluated characteristics showed significant differences by the multivariate tests of Wilks' Lambda, Pillai's Trait, Hotelling-Lawley's Trait and Roy's Maximum Root. Foliar fertilization with zinc enhanced physiological processes and biofortified grains in bean cultivars, especially in the materials BRS FC409, BRS FC310, BRS FC402 and BRS Pérola.