Response of Common Bean Cultivars and Lines to Aluminum Toxicity

Abstract

The soils in the common bean-producing regions (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) of Brazil are usually acid and conta\y66\yin toxic levels of aluminum (Al) for plants. This ion causes yield losses by inhibiting root cell expansion, thus reducing water and nutrient uptake. This study investigates the optimal Al concentration for the screening of genotypes in hydroponics cultivation and tries to identify cultivars and lines for cultivation in Al-toxic soils. The study consisted of two series of experiments. In the first one, four cultivars were evaluated at five Al concentrations (0, 2.5, 5, 7.5 and 10 ppm) and in the second, four independent tests were carried out (1-carioca, 2-black, 3-red, and 4-white), each with seven genotypes and two Al concentrations (0 and 4 ppm). The optimized concentration of Al in the first stage was 4 ppm, which allowed the early identification of genotypes with less affected development under Al toxicity in the second stage. The common bean cultivars IPR Quero-Quero (carioca group), BRS Esplendor (black group), KID 44 (red group), and WLine 5 (white group) may be indicated for cultivation under Al toxicity.