Exploring the interaction effects between common bean cultivars and rhizobia inoculation on plant growth and yield

Abstract

Assuming that common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) cultivars differ in terms of the potential to respond to symbiosis with rhizobia, in this direction, this work aimed to identify those that are more efficient and responsive to biological nitrogen fixation. The interaction of common bean cultivars and rhizobia inoculation at greenhouse conditions was evaluated. Six common bean cultivars (IPR-Sabiá, IPR-Quero-Quero, IPR-Andorinha, IPR-Curió, IPR-Tangará, and IPR-Campos Gerais) were inoculated using a mixture of rhizobia strains (Rhizobium tropici and R. freirei). The completely randomized experimental design arranged in a 6 × 2 factorial scheme with five replications was used. Growth, nodulation, and yield performance of common bean cultivars with and without rhizobia inoculation were evaluated. Rhizobia strains increased nodulation, plant growth, and grain yield in all cultivars used. There was an influence of interaction between rhizobia inoculation and common bean cultivars on root volume, and on dry matter root and shoot. The cultivar IPR-Curió showed the highest number of nodules and nodule dry matter. It can be concluded that the inoculation was consistent for all cultivars used, but some differences in the response from the cultivars indicate a possible effect of the genotype.