Application of ethanol extract of propolis (EEP) on the nutrition, development and yield of common bean

Propolis is a substance widely used in various areas of science, but the effect of its application on annual crops is still unknown. Thus, our aim was to evaluate the effect of ethanol extract of propolis (EEP) on the severity of anthracnose, growth and productivity of Carioca bean cultivar IPR 139. Two experiments were conducted from October 2010 to January 2011. The experiments were arranged in the randomized block design with five replications: of three applications of EEP at concentrations of 0, 1, 2, 3 and 4%, fortnightly, from 25 days after emergence (DAE). EEP was prepared with 10% crude propolis (originated from the Paraná coast) and 90% alcohol 96° GL. No significant differences were found for plant height, leaf number and leaf area. EEP reduced anthracnose severity in up to 63% at the concentration of 4%, increased foliar nitrogen (N), magnesium (Mg), iron (Fe), mean leaf area and productivity by up to 33%. The decrease in anthracnose severity obtained with EEP application increased grain yield.