Foliar phosphorus supply and CO2 assimilation in common bean (Phaseotus vulgaris L.) under water deficit

Abstract

Two common bean cultivars were grown in pots under greenhouse conditions. Plants were submitted to a foliar Pi spray two days before suspending irrigation, what enhanced net CO2 assimilation rate of Ouro Negro cultivar but did not change significantly the photosynthesis of Carioca cultivar under both water deficit and rehydration periods. The results revealed that a foliar Pi spray induced an up-regulation of photosynthesis in common bean under mild water deficit, with this effect being genotype-dependent.