Growth and yield of bean plants as affected by 2, 4-D-micronutrient sprays

Abstract

SummaryAqueous sprays containing either (1) micronutrients (Fe, Mn, Cu, Zn, B) at a concentration of 5 × 104M, (2) 2, 4-D at 1 ppm or (3) the micronutrients and 2, 4-D together were applied to 2-week-old plants of green bush bean, Phaseolus vulgaris. Measurements of juvenile growth were made 5, 10 and 15 days after treatment; of green pod yield and ascorbic acid content 6 weeks after treatment; and of seed yield when the plants were 13 weeks old. The use of 2, 4-D and of the 2, 4-D-micronutrient sprays resulted in significant (P = 0.05) increases in stem height, leaf number and area, and fresh and dry weights of roots, stems and leaves at all three times of harvest. The yield of green pods, in terms of number and fresh weight per plant, and the pod vitamin C content at harvest and after 4 days’ storage were significantly larger in the treated plants. In all cases the greatest stimulation resulted from the use of the solution containing both the 2, 4-D and microelements. Application of the solution contain...