Three field experiments were conducted in southern Minas Gerais State, on distrofic Dusky Red Latosol (1997 summer/fall and winter/spring growing seasons) and on a Red Yellow Podzolic (1997/98 summer season), to study the response of two common bean cultivars (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) to molybdenum (Mo) sources and rates of application on leaves. The experimental design was randomized blocks with three replications and a 2x2x4 factorial arrangement, involving two bean cultivars (Carioca and Carioca-MG), two Mo sources (sodium and ammonium molybdates) and four Mo rates (0, 50, 100, and 150g ha-1 Mo), applied on leaves at 21-25 days after emergency . At harvest, the grain yield and their primary components (number of pod per plant, number of grains per pod and weight of one hundred seeds), and the final stand, were evaluated. Results showed no effect of the molybdenum sources on grain yield and yield components. In both cultivars, grain yield increased with increasing Mo rates up to 54 g ha-1 of Mo, following a discontinuous linear response, or LPR (Linear Response-Plateau).
foliar fertilization; molybdenum fertilization; Phaseolus vulgaris
