Biofortificação agronômica do feijão-comum (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) pelo manejo da adubação com ferro

Abstract

Agronomic biofortification with iron (Fe) is a promising strategy for enhancing the nutritional value of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.). This study aimed to evaluate the productive performance, chlorophyll content, and iron concentration in common bean grains in response to soil fertilization management with iron. The experiment was conducted in the experimental area of the Center for Human, Social and Agrarian Sciences at the Federal University of Paraíba, Campus III, in Bananeiras-PB, in the microregion of Brejo Paraibano. The experimental design used was a randomized block design with the Crioula cultivar, consisting of five treatments corresponding to iron doses of 25, 30, 35, 40, and 45 mg dm-3, with four replications, totaling 20 experimental units. The 25 mg dm3 dose was used as a control, as it represents the natural Fe level in the soil. The Crioula bean cultivar was used. The variables analyzed were: number of pods per plant, concentrations of chlorophyll "a", "b" and total, and Fe content in the grains. The results indicate that the range between 30 and 40 mg dm-3 provides simultaneous gains in productivity, photosynthetic efficiency, and iron accumulation in the grains. Chlorophyll "b" and total levels were positively influenced by increasing Fe doses, and the iron concentration in the grains increased proportionally with the iron fertilization. Therefore, when properly managed, agronomic biofortification is a viable alternative for enriching common beans with iron without compromising the crop's agronomic performance.