ABSTRACT Maximization of biological nitrogen fixation in the common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) crop depends on the genetic characteristics related to the plant, the symbiotic efficiency of rhizobia, and environmental factors. The objective of this study was to evaluate the performance of rhizobia selected beforehand from Cerrado (Brazilian tropical savanna) soils in Mato Grosso do Sul. The experiments were conducted in 2007 in the municipalities of Aquidauana, Anaurilândia, Campo Grande, and Dourados, all located in the state of Mato Grosso […]

Adequate management of nitrogen fertilizer is one of the main difficulties on common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) crop. However, the biological N2 fixation is an alternative source of N supply to this crop. This study had the purpose to evaluate the response of common bean to rhizobium inoculation and split application of N fertilizer in terms of plant nodulation and grain yield. Besides, this study aimed to evaluate the economic viability of using N fertilizer application and/or rhizobium inoculation on […]

Brazilian soils usually present a great number of populations of rhizobial bacteria capable of nodulating and fixing N2 in symbiosis with common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.), but the diversity of these bacteria is still poorly known. This study aimed to assess the biodiversity of micro-symbionts of common bean in the state of Santa Catarina in southern Brazil. One-hundred and seventeen isolates were obtained from field-grown plants in 23 areas of the far west, midwest and southern plateau of Santa Catarina. […]

Soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merrill] and common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) crops are of economical and social importance in Brazil; their requirement for nitrogen can be supplied by the symbiosis with bacteria belonging to the order Rhizobiales. However, to guarantee the maximization of the biological nitrogen fixation, seeds must be inoculated with efficient and competitive strains of rhizobia recommended by research. In 2001/2002, 14 million doses of inoculant were sold in Brazil, 99 % of these for soybean and common bean crops. […]