Implications of selection in common bean lines in contrasting environments concerning nitrogen levels

Magno Antonio Patto Ramalho,Ângela De Fátima Barbosa Abreu,Isabela Volpi Furtini

doi:10.1590/1984-70332014v14n3a24

Abstract

Grain productivities of 100 bean lines were evaluated in the presence and absence of nitrogen fertilizer in order to identify those with high nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) and to determine the correlated response observed in a stressed environment following selection in a non-stressed environment. The genetic and phenotypic characteristics of the lines, as wellas the response index to applied nitrogen, were determined. The average grain productivities at both locations were 39.5% higher in the presence of nitrogen fertilizer, with 8.3 kg of grain being produced per kg of nitrogen applied. NUE varied greatly between lines. Lines BP-16, CVII-85-11, BP-24, Ouro Negro and MA-IV-15-203 were the most efficient and responsive. The results showed that it is possible to select bean lines in stressed and non-stressed environments. It was inferred that common bean lines for environments with low nitrogenav ailability should preferably be selected under nitrogen stress.

Highlights

A range of different types of cropping systems are available for the cultivation of the common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.)
Grain productivities of 100 bean lines were evaluated in the presence and absence of nitrogen fertilizer in order to identify those with high nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) and to determine the correlated response observed in a stressed environment following selection in a non-stressed environment
P. vulgaris is a member of the family Leguminosae (Fabaceae), the quantities of nitrogen fixed is insufficient for the daily requirements of the plant (Cassini and Franco 2006, Brito et al 2011)

Summary

Introduction

A range of different types of cropping systems are available for the cultivation of the common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.). P. vulgaris is a member of the family Leguminosae (Fabaceae), the quantities of nitrogen fixed is insufficient for the daily requirements of the plant (Cassini and Franco 2006, Brito et al 2011). Nitrogen supplementation to common bean cultures is essential in achieving increased yield. While many farmers employ fertilizers in crop production, others choose to cultivate their crops in the absence of such supplements. Considering that fertilizers represent a significant proportion of production costs (Skalsky et al 2008), that the continuous use of N can cause environmental impacts (Hirel et al 2007) and since farmers plant similar cultivars regardless of the cropping system used, it is important to develop bean lines that offer high nitrogen use efficiency

Objectives

Methods

Results