Abstract
To identify eco-efficient bean cultivars that can be planted at high densities for sustainable bean production under climate change, this study analyzed the performance of ten dry bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) cultivars grown at 90,000, 145,000 and 260,000 plants ha−1 under rainfed semi-arid conditions in Mexico. The study compared the yield and yield components (leaf area index (LAI), pods per plant, and hundred seed weight) of the cultivars. We also analyzed the dry matter distribution (DMD), growth rate (GR), radiation use efficiency (RUE), and harvest index (HI) of the best performing cultivars to determine how they respond to higher densities. The cultivars were established under similar planting and management conditions during two growing seasons. The precipitation for the first and second seasons were 175 and 492 mm, respectively, representing 57% and 160% of the mean precipitation in the area during the July–October growing period. Pinto Saltillo, a drought-tolerant indeterminate semi-prostrate cultivar, and Azufrado 2, a determinate shrub cultivar, performed best at high densities under low-precipitation conditions (175 mm). Both cultivars responded to the highest density (260,000 plants ha−1) with increases of 54% to 69% (0.7 to 1.1) in LAI and 21% to 86% (0.32–0.81 Mg ha−1) in yield. The two cultivars responded to increasing plant density with a modification in their fraction of DMD over plant parts and a change in their GR from 0.23–0.25 at low density to 0.96–1.74 gr m−2 day−1 at high density. The two cultivars had an RUE of 3.8 to 4.4 g MJ−1 and HI of 0.31 to 0.36 at high planting density. Farmers’ use of these commercially available cultivars proven to have high yields and the ability to respond favorably to high densities under rainfed conditions can be a viable short-term strategy to increase dry bean production for sustainable agriculture in semi-arid temperate regions.
Highlights
Mexico is considered the center of origin of the common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.), an essential food crop in the country and in many other parts of the world [1,2]
We present the results of our detailed analysis of the biomass data of three cultivars that performed best in yield at high density under low-precipitation conditions
The harvest index (HI) was calculated as the ratio of yield to above-ground biomass
Summary
Mexico is considered the center of origin of the common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.), an essential food crop in the country and in many other parts of the world [1,2]. Planting at high densities can be a strategy for obtaining optimum yield [9,10], some studies have shown its limiting effects on aspects of plant growth and development [11,12,13]. In this regard, it is essential to understand the effects of plant density on yield and its components by analyzing influencing factors and identifying major yield–density response curves [14]. Previous studies have shown that optimal plant density for increasing yield varies according to such factors as water supply, cultivar and soil type as well as to solar radiation and planting methods [15,16,17,18]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
