Differential varietal response to zinc foliar sprays in navy beans (Phaseolus vulgaris)

Abstract

Rain-grown trials were conducted from 1973 to 1975 on the southern Darling Downs to assess the effects on yield of foliar applications of zinc sulphate heptahydrate on five navy bean cultivars. Yield increases of up to 86% were obtained, though varietal responses to zinc application varied markedly. Dry seed beans harvested from zinc sprayed treatments accumulated significantly higher zinc levels than beans from control plots. Severity of zinc deficiency symptoms early in the season correlated significantly with yields obtained at the end of the season.