Abstract

In order to optimize the use of nitrogen (N), the aim of this work was to evaluate the efficiency of foliar application of Azospirillum brasilense Ab-V5 strain, as regards the productivity of wheat plantations combined with different N doses. The experiments were carried out in four municipalities in Minas Gerais (Brazil) under randomized block design with four replications. Forty percent of the N dose was applied at planting time and 60% as topdressing at tillering stage of the crop. Azospirillum brasilense was applied as foliar spray at a dose of 500 ml/ha. The treatments consisted of: (1) Control-without N or Ab-V5; (2) 50% of the N recommended; (3) 100% of the N; (4) Application of Ab-V5 strain; (5) 50% of N and Ab-V5 strain; (6) 100% of N and Ab-V5 strain; (7) 100% of N and seed inoculation with a commercial product (Master Fix). For all the locations, productivity increased with application of 100% of N recommended and foliar spray containing A. brasilense compared to the treatment that had only 100% of N recommended.

Key words: Foliar spray, nitrogen fertilization, diazotrophic bacteria, Triticum aestivum L.