Influence of inoculant application methods on the physiological quality of common bean seeds

Abstract

Common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) is one of Brazil’s main crops, however, its productivity remains low. Biological nitrogen fixation (BNF) is a sustainable alternative to mineral nitrogen fertilization, reducing costs and environmental impacts. This study aimed to evaluate the physiological quality of BRS Estilo bean seeds under different inoculation strategies with Rhizobium tropici. The experiment was conducted during the 2022/2023 growing season in Anápolis-GO, using six treatments: seed inoculation, furrow inoculation, topdressing reinoculation at the V4 stage, their combinations, as well as a mineral nitrogen fertilization treatment and a control without nitrogen. The harvested seeds were subjected to germination, vigor, accelerated aging, seedling length, and dry mass tests. The results indicated that furrow inoculation combined with topdressing reinoculation at the V4 stage produced higher-quality seeds, with germination and vigor comparable to those of mineral nitrogen fertilization. Conversely, single seed inoculation was insufficient to ensure high quality seeds. It was concluded that furrow inoculation followed by topdressing reinoculation can partially or fully replace mineral nitrogen fertilization, improving nitrogen use efficiency in common bean and contributing to a more sustainable production system.