Abstract
High yield in snap bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) production requires relatively high nitrogen (N) inputs. However, little information is available on whether the use of rhizobial inoculants for enhanced biological dinitrogen fixation can provide adequate N to support green pod yield. The objectives of this study were to test the use of rhizobia inoculation as an alternative N source for snap bean production under rain fed conditions, and to identify suitable cultivars and appropriate agro-ecology for high pod yield and N2 fixation in Ethiopia. The study was conducted in 2011 and 2012 during the main rainy season at three locations. The treatments were factorial combinations of three N treatments (0 and 100 kg·N·ha−1, and Rhizobium etli (HB 429)) and eight snap bean cultivars. Rhizobial inoculation and applied N increased the total yield of snap bean pod by 18% and 42%, respectively. Cultivar Melkassa 1 was the most suitable for a reduced input production system due to its greatest N2 fixation and high pod yield. The greatest amount of fixed N was found at Debre Zeit location. We concluded that N2 fixation achieved through rhizobial inoculation can support the production of snap bean under rain fed conditions in Ethiopia.
Highlights
Snap bean is a cultivar of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) from which immature pods are harvested and used as a vegetable for human consumption
This results in high input production systems including the heavy use of synthetic N fertilizer and irrigation that precludes most of the local small-holders farmers from export production
This study demonstrated that N application consistently increased total yield, pod dry weight and pod number per plant of snap bean cultivars
Summary
Snap bean is a cultivar of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) from which immature pods are harvested and used as a vegetable for human consumption. Snap bean production in Ethiopia has increased over time both for export and local market [2]. At the same time the local demand and consumption of snap bean in Ethiopia have increased. Snap bean production in Ethiopia is mainly done by private companies, mostly business affiliates of European companies. This results in high input production systems including the heavy use of synthetic N fertilizer and irrigation that precludes most of the local small-holders farmers from export production. The burden of high input costs such as N fertilizer needs to be reduced for small-scale farmers in order to increase and sustain the production, and maximize the benefits of growing this cash crop
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