Phaseolus vulgaris response to Rhizobium inoculation, lime and molybdenum in selected low pH soil in Western Cape, South Africa

Abstract

The effects of Rhizobium inoculation, lime and molybdenum supply on yield and yield components of Phaseolus vulgaris L. were investigated in a split-split plot design in the greenhouse and field experiment. Results showed that Rhizobiumapplication significantly improved the number of pods per plant, number of seeds per plant, 100-seed weight and seed yield. Furthermore, compared with the zero treatment control, molybdenum supply significantly increased the number of pods per plant, number of seeds per plant, 100-seed weight and seed yield. In general, these parameters were significantly increased with molybdenum supplied at the highest rate of 12 g per kg of seed. With regard to lime, significant increases were recorded in number of seeds per pod and seed yield. Application of lime at the highest rate (3 t lime per ha) was significantly superior to the control and 2 t of lime per ha. The combination of these supplies at different levels resulted in significant interactions in some parameters and thus indicating need for these inputs in the study area. Key words: Beans, number of pods per plant, number of seeds per pod, 100-seed weight, interaction.