Snap bean production from seeds treated with Bacillus subtilis

Abstract

In order to ensure an adequate final stand and good yields in agricultural crops, a fast healthy seedling establishment in the field is essential and can be improved using seed treatment techniques. This study aimed to assess the effect of treating snap bean seeds with Bacillus subtilis doses on the development and yield components of the crop. Seeds of a determinate variety were used. A 4 × 4 + 1 factorial scheme was applied, being four seed treatments (film coating with and without drying, pre-imbibition and biopriming), four doses of B. subtilis-based commercial product (c.p.) (0, 7, 14 and 28 mL c.p. kg−1 of seed) and an absolute control. The analyzed variables were seed moisture content, seedling emergence, leaf length, width and area, plant height and height to first pod at harvest, number of trifoliate leaves and pods, pod length and number of grains per pod, and pod fresh and dry weight. The pre-imbibition and biopriming treatments were equal or superior to the absolute control. Associating these treatments with doses of 7-14 mL c.p. kg−1 for pre-imbibition and 0-28 mL c.p. kg−1 for biopriming favors both the traits assessed during the reproductive stage and the yield components of the snap bean.