Amino acids in morpho-agronomic traits of common bean varieties under water deficit in a greenhouse

Resumen

Objective: To evaluate the effect of an amino acid-based biostimulant on the growth and yield parameters of bean varieties under irrigated and drought conditions in a greenhouse. Design/methodology/approach: A randomized complete block design with a 2 × 2 × 3 factorial arrangement was used, consisting of two moisture levels (irrigation and drought), two levels of amino acid-based biostimulant application (with and without application), and three bean varieties (Azufrado Regional 87, Azufrado Reyna, and Pinto Saltillo), with four replicates. Seed yield and its components, accumulated dry weight, and phenology were evaluated. Results: Yield and its components, as well as dry biomass, were higher under irrigation than under drought conditions. Differences were observed among varieties in interaction with moisture levels and amino acid application levels. Regarding amino acids, no influence was detected on the traits evaluated under the experimental conditions of this study. Limitations on study/implications: Physiological variables related to plant responses to water deficit and amino acid application were not evaluated. In addition, agronomic management should not have included the foliar application of a fertilizer containing amino acids. Findings/conclusions: According to the analysis, amino acids had no effect on growth or yield parameters. However, drought exerted a negative effect by reducing these parameters and shortening the crop cycle. Azufrado Regional 87 showed greater stability in yield components, as did Pinto Saltillo, which outperformed the other varieties for these parameters in interaction with moisture and amino acid application levels.