Root Morphological Characteristics of Kidney Beans as Influenced by Within-row Spacing1

Abstract

Abstract Root morphological characteristics of ‘Redkote’ and ‘Redkloud’ kidney bean plants (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) were measured during 2 growth stages at 5, 10, 15, and 20 cm within-row spacings under field conditions. Significantly higher total root weight, shoot weight, basal root weight, and stem and hypocotyl diameters of individual plants occurred as within-row spacing increased. Uprooting resistance, taproot weight, and taproot diameter increased as within-row spacing increased up to 15 cm followed by a nonsignificant increase at 20 cm. No differences in adventitious root weight or shoot:root ratios occurred among within-row spacing treatments. ‘Redkote’ root parameters were significantly higher than those of‘Redkloud’, with the exception of adventitious root weight and uprooting resistance. Seed yields were highest for 15 cm spacing although not significantly more than at 5 cm spacing. All parameters with the exception of basal root number were significantly lower during anthesis when compared with full pod fill growth stage.