Selected Drybean Yield Parameters Affected by Phosphorus Fertilizer Sources under Different Locations of North-West Province, South Africa

Abstract

Drybean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) is a significant source of protein and other essential macro- and micronutrients for human nutrition. This study was carried out in three ecologically different locations in the 2019/2020 growing season to assess the effect of phosphorus fertilizer source and environmental variations on selected drybean grain yield and quality. The experiment was a 3×4×2 factorial experiments fitted into a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD), with four replications. The three experimental sites were Mafikeng, Kraaipan and Taung. The four phosphorus fertilizer sources were the control, single superphosphate (SSP), mono-ammonium phosphate (MAP) and maxi phos. The two drybean cultivars used in this study were PAN 9292 and PAN 148. Yield and quality parameters measured were, number of pods per plant, number of seed per pod, pod length, pod mass, ash, and fat content. Phosphorus fertilizer source had a significant effect on the ash content. The ash content of drybean treated with SSP was significantly higher. The pods number of each plant, length of pods, and pod mass were all significantly affected by location. Drybean planted in Mafikeng produced significantly higher pods number of each plant, longer pods, and higher pod mass than at the other locations. The ash and fat content were significantly affected by the location. The ash and fat content of drybean grown in Mafikeng were 2.23% and 2.93%, respectively. Drybean treated with monoammonium phosphate (MAP) showed higher number of pods per plant and longer pods length.