This work intended to evaluate the effect of seed size on growth, nutrient accumulation and grain yield of common bean cultivars (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) under field conditions. The experimental design was a randomized block in a 3x2 factorial arrangement with four replicates: three cultivars (Kaboon, Manteigão and Carioca) and two seed sizes (small and large). Biomass was weekly sampled between 14 and 70 days after sowing. Large seeds increased the plant height, the leaf area index and the shoot and root biomass since the first sampling but did not affect pod biomass. At the beginning of the experiment the large seeds increased the crop growth rate, but this effect disappeared at the end of sampling period. Plants originating from large seeds accumulated more N and K in shoots and roots at 49 but not at 70 days after sowing. Small seeds reduced the stand of cultivar Carioca. There was no significant effect of seed size on grain yield, yield components and harvest index. Large seeds can anticipate the growth of bean crop, but plants originating from small seeds may compensate their slower initial growth providing a similar grain yield.
Phaseolus vulgaris; growth rate; harvest index; yield components
