Physiological Performance of Common Bean Seeds Treated with Bioactivator with and without Moisture Restriction

Abstract

The commonbean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) is an important agricultural crop due to its nutritional properties. Insecticides and fungicides employed to control pests and diseases in the common bean may cause as yet unknown effects on the plant’s morphology and metabolism. Bioactivators are complex organic substances, capable of exerting modification upon growth patterns, plant DNA transcription, gene expression, metabolic enzymes and mineral nutrition. Thiamethoxam insecticide has shown positive action on the enhancement of vigor expression, phytomass accretion and the promotion of deeper root systems. The aim of this work was to evaluate the effect of thiamethoxam on the physiological performance of common bean seeds. Seeds from cultivars Pérola and IAPAR Siriri were treated to thiamethoxam concentrations of 0, 100, 200, 300, 400 and 500 mL&middotkg^-1 seed. Physiological quality was measured through tests for germination value, first count, cold test, accelerated aging and seedling shoot and root lengths, all undertaken in the presence and absence of moisture stress. Thiamethoxam stimulated the physiological performance of common bean seeds under moisture stress or in the absence of it, with levels varying according to cultivar and seed lot. The best physiological seed performance was obtained within the range of 200 mL&middotkg^-1 seed to 400 mL&middotkg^-1 seed.