Abstract

The use of plant biostimulants jointly or without macro or micro fertilization may be an alternative to change plant metabolism and consequently, improve bean crop yield. Under this circumstance, we aim to evaluate the influence of biostimulants and its interaction with macro and micronutrient fertilizers on common bean var. Pérola yield in Bahia State (BA). The research started on 12 December, 2013 in the experimental farm of the State University of Southwestern Bahia (UESB), campus in Vitória da Conquista – BA, Brazil. The experimental design used was the total randomized block with three replications, arranged in a factorial scheme (2x2x4) under two macronutrient fertilization levels (present or absent) and four biostimulants (Control, Stimulate, Booster and Biozyme), in which doses followed manufacturer recommendation for common bean crop. The following traits were assessed: plant height, stem diameter, first pod height, pod number, pod length, grain per plant, 100-grain dry mass and yield. The data was submitted to variance analysis, and means were compared by “F” and Scott Knott tests at 5% probability. We found that biostimulants enhanced common bean yield with or without macro and/ or micronutrient supply.

Key words: Plant regulators, nutrients, fertilization, yield and Phaseolus vulgaris L.