Effects of Rhizobium inoculation, lime and molybdenum on photosynthesis and chlorophyll content of Phaseolus vulgaris L.

The effects of Rhizobium inoculation, lime and molybdenum on photosynthesis and chlorophyll content of Phaseolus vulgaris L. were investigated in a split-split plot design in a greenhouse and field experiment. Results showed that R. inoculation, molybdenum and lime had significant effects on the leaf chlorophyll content (Chl), the photosynthesis (A), the intercellular CO2 concentration (Ci) and the transpiration rate (E) of Phaseolus vulgaris L. Application of Mo and lime at the highest rates (12 g of Mo per kg seed and 3 t lime ha(-1) respectively) was significantly superior to the control and the 6 g of Mo per kg seed and 2 t lime ha(-1). The combination of these supplies at different levels resulted in significant interactions between some parameters suggesting that successful bean production in these acidic soils is unlikely unless attention is paid to supply these important nutrients in the study area.