PHYSIOLOGICAL POTENTIAL OF BEAN SEEDS AS A FUNCTION OF POPULATION DENSITIES ON WINTER CROP SEASON, IN NORTHERN

ABSTRACT: For adapting well to various soil and climatic conditions in Brazil and the tradition of high consumption, bean plays a key role in feeding the population. Despite the different environmental conditions, there are few specific cultivars for each planting season, particularly when aimed at the production of quality seeds. The objective of this study was to evaluate the physiological potential of bean seeds from five population densities, under the edafoclimatic conditions of Janaúba, northern Minas Gerais. The experiment was conducted on winter crop season, with planting in August 2011. The experimental design was a randomized block in 3 x 5 factorial, with four replicates. The treatments consisted of three cultivars of common bean with different growth types (Ouro Vermelho, Ouro Negro and BRSMG Madrepérola), and five densities (100, 200, 300, 400 and 500 thousand plants ha-1). Seeds were evaluated for water content, germination and vigor (tests of first count, seedling emergence, emergence speed and accelerated aging). From the results, it can be concluded that the bean seeds of the cultivar Ouro Negro present superior physiological potential in relation to the cultivars Ouro Vermelho and BRSMG Madrepérola. Increasing the sowing density up to 300 thousan