Dry Bean [Phaseolus vulgaris L.] Growth and Yield Response to Variable Irrigation in the Arid to Semi-Arid Climate

Abhijit Rai,Jim Heitholt,Vivek Sharma

doi:10.3390/su12093851

Abhijit Rai, Jim Heitholt + Show 1 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/su12093851

Copy DOI

Abstract

Understanding the crop growth and yield response to variable irrigation and the relationship between crop eco-physiological and morphological parameters is critical for identifying a balanced irrigation management strategy and developing decision support systems for early detection and information for on-ground decisions. Experiments were conducted to evaluate the effect of variable irrigation treatments on dry bean [Phaseolus vulgaris L.] growth traits (plant height, leaf area index, normalized difference vegetation index), seed yield (SY), and yield components (pods plant−1, seeds pod−1, 100-seed weight (SW), and pod harvest index (PHI)) and to develop empirical models between dry bean growth and environmental conditions, SY, and yield components. Five irrigation treatments i.e., FIT (full irrigation treatment), 125% FIT, 75% FIT, 50% FIT, and 25% FIT were investigated. Water deficit at the beginning of the crop growth [vegetative growth (V1-V2) stage], dramatically reduced dry bean growth and development and resulted in a significant reduction in SY. However, the degree to which vegetative growth and SY was reduced depends on the weather conditions. Reducing irrigation by 25% below FIT resulted in an average reduction of 30% in SY. This reduction in SY was significantly correlated with a decline in pods plant−1 and SW. Moreover, the empirical models between growth traits and growing degree days (GDD) have a strong correlation, while growth traits and SY and yield components are moderately correlated. The data and empirical models presented in this research provide valuable information in predicting and estimating dry bean SY in-season and allow for corrective management decisions.

Highlights

In the U.S, dry bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) is produced in 17 states with a variety of practices and yield differences and responsible for 6% of the world output
A similar observation was made by Boydston et al [29], who observed a significantly higher Soil-plant analysis development (SPAD) value for deficit irrigation, and lower SPAD value for full irrigation; the increased SPAD was not found to be a consistent indicator of water deficit for pinto beans which agrees with our observations reported here
The results from our research indicated that water deficit influences dry bean growth, which results in a parallel response in Seed Yield (SY) and yield components and that the high yielding ability of dry bean is associated with growth traits

Summary

Introduction

In the U.S, dry bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) is produced in 17 states with a variety of practices and yield differences and responsible for 6% of the world output. With increasing water demands from non-agricultural sectors, climate change and variability, increasing frequency of droughts, declining water tables, changing water rights, and the increasing cost of irrigation, it is important to evaluate the various water management strategies for dry bean production. Producers are seeking guidance on how to make maximum use of available water supply, how to efficiently manage on-farm irrigation scheduling, as well as information on crop water use, yield, crop water use efficiency, and how to minimize the energy cost. The answer to these aforementioned questions requires scientifically-based and practical management strategies that can aid producers in their decision-making process to enhance water use efficiency to achieve maximum profitability

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusion