The use of the genetic variability in common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) for its efficiency in the absorption and use of phosphorus arises as an alternative to avoid the deficiency of this element in Cerrado soils. Aiming at detecting such efficiencies, an experiment was carried out in a greenhouse at the Federal University of Uberlândia-MG, from July to August 1997. The experimental design was of complete randomized blocks with four replications, on an 8 x 2 factorial scheme. Eight genotypes of common bean (BAT 477, Carioca MG, Emgopa 201, Jalo Precoce, Perola, Rosinha, Roxo e Xamego) and two levels of P2O5 (24 and 120mg dm-3) were evaluated. The production of dry mass of shoots and roots of genotypes, content of phosphorus in shoots and roots; root:shoot ratio and the efficiency in the use of the phosphorus (a value), were determined at 45 days after germination. The genotypes were classified in four groups: efficient and responsive, not efficient and responsive, efficient and not responsive and not efficient and not responsive. The genotypes were classified as efficient in the absorption and use of phosphorus BAT 477, Jalo Precoce and Roxo and the genotypes Carioca MG, Jalo Precoce , Perola e Roxo were classified as responsive.
Phaseolus vulgaris L.; mineral nutrition; phosphorus; common bean; root
