Growth analysis of bean cultivar Traí in four sowing densities grown in the latter growing season in Santa Maria-RS

Abstract

The common bean cultivar Irai, type I, was grown during the latter season of 2001 in Santa Maria-RS, in four plant populations (200, 300, 400, and 500 thousand plants ha-I) with the objective of observing the behavior of some traits through growth analysis. The experimental design was randomized blocks with four replications. lt was observed that the specific leaf area increases from flowering untilthe beginning of fi lling grain. The increment in the leaf arca index since flowering is dueto expansion of the leaves, and not because an increase in the number of the leaves. The increase of the plants per area unit accelerates the leaf senescence, and brings up the specific area index without changes in leaf area index. Also, causes a higher speed of soil covering, improving the bean plant competition capacity with weeds.