Abstract
White mold, caused by Sclerotinia sclerotiorum (Lib.) de Bary, is an important disease in common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) production areas. It reduces seed yield and lowers the quality of beans. Development of the disease is thought to be affected by plant canopy type (architecture), and by genetic resistance. This study determined the effect of plant type and row width on white mold and seed yield. Three short bush/vine and four semi-determinate upright genotypes were tested in narrow (30 cm) and wide (60 and 80 cm) rows for 2 yr in a field prone to white mold development. Incidence and disease index increased as row width became narrower. The upright type was infected less than the short bush type. Ex Rico 23, which is a short vine, open canopy type, was moderately resistant to the mold. A tall upright selection, A55, showed the lowest mold infection; it was significantly less than that of Ex Rico 23. Seed yield of all genotypes increased as row width decreased even though there was an increase in white mold incidence. Stiff-strawed upright types had less lodging. To reduce white mold, cultivars should have lodging resistance, narrow canopied upright plant type and genetic resistance. Development of the upright plant types allows for narrow-row production and direct combining. Key words: Dry edible bean, Phaseolus vulgaris, white mold, Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, plant type, row width, seed yield
Published Version
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