The effect of N applications (time and rates) on chlorophyll and N contents in bean leaves was evaluated and correlations among them and with the yield established. Carried out in the Selvíria region, State of Minas Gerais, Brazil, the experiment was set up in a completely randomized block design in a factorial 3 x 5 scheme. Treatments consisted in the combination of N (urea) application by side dressing at five levels (0, 35, 70, 105, and 140 kg ha-1 of N) at three times (15, 30, and 15 + 30 days after plant emergence). Chlorophyll and N contents in leaves during the full flowering period were determined, as well as yields. All data were correlated to each other and to the N levels. The chlorophyll content presented a positive correlation with N leaf contents and with grain production. The portable chlorophyll meter proved its suitability as a tool to assess the nutritional state of N in bean plants.
Phaseolus vulgaris L.; urea; fertilization
