Effects of Foliar Protector Application and Shading Treatments on the Physiology and Development of Common Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.)

Abstract

High solar radiation, combined with high temperature, causes losses in plant production. The application of foliar protector in plants is associated with improvements in photosynthesis, reduction in leaf temperature and, consequently, improved productivity. Two experiments were conducted. The first aimed to assess the efficacy of foliar protector versus artificial shading in mitigating the negative impacts of excessive radiation and temperature on the physiology, growth, and yield of common bean plants. The second experiment focused on comparing the timing in cycle plants (phenological phases) of foliar protector application in two different bean cultivars (BRS Fc 104 and BRS MG Realce) under field conditions. Artificial shading provided better results for photosynthesis, transpiration, growth and production compared to the application of foliar protector. In the field conditions experiment, the application timing of the foliar protector at different phenological phases did not increase productivity in the cultivars. The application of foliar protector under the conditions studied was not effective in mitigating the negative impacts of high solar radiation and temperature on common bean cultivation. However, it is opportune to evaluate the application of foliar protector in bean plants grown under conditions with water deficit, high solar radiation and high temperature.