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\rfarmers to improve yield and seed physiological potential. For calcium and\rmolybdenum, positive results have been observed, even in soils with high\rnutrient content. The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of foliar\rapplications of calcium and molybdenum on yield and seed physiological\rpotential in common bean plants. A randomized block design was implemented,\rwith the treatments fixed in a factorial scheme: two molybdenum rates (with or\rwithout) and four calcium rates, with four replications. The calcium rates\rapplied on the leaves were 0, 150, 300 and 600 g·ha-1 for the first\ryear of the investigation (2005) and 0, 300, 600 and 900 g·ha-1 for\rthe second year (2006). In both years, the molybdenum rates applied on the\rleaves were 0 g·ha-1 (without) and 75 g·ha-1 (with). The\rresults showed that the foliar calcium application, with or without molybdenum,\rdid not improve yield. Foliar application of calcium alone improved seed\rphysiological potential in common bean plants when applied at the full bloom\rstage.