Foliar Application of Calcium and Molybdenum in Common Bean Plants: Yield and Seed Physiological Potential

Abstract

The foliar application of micro- and macronutrients is often practiced by farmers to improve yield and seed physiological potential. For calcium and molybdenum, positive results have been observed, even in soils with high nutrient content. The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of foliar applications of calcium and molybdenum on yield and seed physiological potential in common bean plants. A randomized block design was implemented, with the treatments fixed in a factorial scheme: two molybdenum rates (with or without) and four calcium rates, with four replications. The calcium rates applied on the leaves were 0, 150, 300 and 600 g · ha -1 for the first year of the investigation (2005) and 0, 300, 600 and 900 g · ha -1 for the second year (2006). In both years, the molybdenum rates applied on the leaves were 0 g · ha -1 (without) and 75 g · ha -1 (with). The results showed that the foliar calcium application, with or without molybdenum, did not improve yield. Foliar application of calcium alone improved seed physiological potential in common bean plants when applied at the full bloom stage.