Fresh Pod Yield Research Articles

A Peanut Variety, ‘Gowon1’ with Large Grain and High Fresh Pod Yield

A Peanut Variety, ‘Gowon1’ with Large Grain and High Fresh Pod Yield

Optimal timing for fava bean planting, pod harvesting, and termination in Northern California

Fava bean has been cultivated as a grain, vegetable, and cover crop in California for more than a century. Despite a decline in popularity as a grain, many growers are taking a second look to satisfy demands for vegetable fava bean (pod) and to provide plant-derived nitrogen (N) to grow summer cash crops. This paper presents the results of a series of experiments aimed at quantifying fava bean biomass and N at planting date and termination, as well as pod production in response to the harvest scheme. Sowing before the end of October resulted in the highest biomass and N in Northern California. Termination of fava bean cover crops in early April between the flowering and first pod stage increased the forage yield of the following crop (sudangrass), compared to termination at the earlier branching stage, which is typically in late February. We found that delaying vegetable pod harvest until the end of the growing season resulted in low fresh-pod yields. The results provide a starting point for growers interested in incorporating fava bean.

Effect of Spacing and Different Levels of Phosphorus on Growth and Yield of Malepatan-1 Variety of Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (Linn.) Walp.) in Dang District, Nepal

The simplest strategy to boost cowpea production is to have an optimum fertilizer level and spacing. The study was performed to assess the effect of variable row spacing and phosphorus (P) levels on the growth and yield of cowpeas. The experiment was carried out using a split-plot design with three planting geometry as the main plot (15 cm × 30 cm, 30 cm × 30 cm, and 45 cm × 30 cm) and three P levels as subplots (20, 40, and 60 kg/ha), each replicated three times. The result demonstrated that P had a significant effect on the number of pods per plant at 100 days after sowing (DAS), pod length at 85 and 100 DAS, and yield of fresh pods. However, P did not significantly impact plant height or number of pods per plant at 70 and 85 DAS. The highest fresh pod yield (1.05 t/ha) and pod length at 85 and 100 DAS (20.33 and 21.16 cm, respectively) were observed at 60 kg/ha P level. Similarly, the highest number of pods per plant at 100 DAS (8.3) was recorded at a P level of 40 kg/ha, which was comparable to that obtained at a P level of 60 kg/ha (8.1). Also, the spacing showed a nonsignificant effect on any of the studied parameters, except for the number of branches per plant at 30 DAS. The 45 cm × 30 cm spacing resulted in the highest number of branches per plant at this stage (2.4).

Genetic Components Derived Parameters and Heterosis in Okra under Saudi Arabia Conditions.

Four parental genotypes of okra were crossed in complete diallel design to study the direction and extent of relative heterosis and heterobeltiosis for yield and its associated traits for utilization of existing genetic diversity to develop heterotic F1 hybrids in okra. The additive genetic component (D) was significant in all studied traits except average pod weight. Nonadditive (H1 and H2) components were found to be significant in all studied traits. However, the values of the dominant effect (H1) were smaller than the D components for no. of nodes/plant, no. of pods/plant, weight of medium pods, weight of large pods, and total fresh pod yield. The maximum significant MP heterosis in the desirable direction (149.9%) was recorded for the weight of large pods/plot. The maximum significant heterobeltiosis in the desirable direction (120.1%) was recorded for the weight of small pods/plot followed by total fresh pod yield (107.4%), the weight of large pods/plot (104.9%), weight of medium pods/plot (92.1%), average pod weight (51.8%), number of pods/plant (38.4%), and plant height (34.3%). It could be concluded that plant height, average pod weight, and the number of branches could be considered for the development of elite hybrids (heterosis breeding) or inbred lines (pure line selection) in succeeding generations. Therefore, these parameters can be considered for selecting genotypes to improve the pod yield of okra. The superior crosses identified through heterosis analysis were Egyptian Balady × Line 4.1.18 (30.8 ton/ha), Line 4.1.18 × Egyptian Balady (29.8 ton/ha), Dwarf Green Long Pod × Line 4.1.18 (28.3 ton/ha), and Egyptian Balady × Dwarf Green Long Pod (27.6 ton/ha) as these crosses had high performance as well as significant and higher estimates of heterobeltiosis for fruit yield per plant and yield attributing other characters.

Multi-Locations Evaluation of Garden Pea Genotypes for Pod Characters and Yield

Pea genotypes developed by national breeding program exhibit wide geographical adaptation. To identify the best high yielding and wide adaptive genotypes, fourteen garden pea genotypes (13 improved and commercial) were studied for their phenotypic traits at two locations (Horticulture Research Station, Dailekh and Agriculture Research Station, Dhankuta) during 2018–2019. Field experiments were conducted at randomized complete block design with three replications in both locations. Combined analysis over the locations revealed that genotypes had highly significant (p ≤ 0.01) effect on pod length, pod diameter, seed number/pod, pod weight and fresh pod yield. HRSDGP-11-18-1 produced the highest (12.5 t/ha) fresh pod yield, followed by HRSDGP-11-18-11 (12.3 t/ha) and the lowest (8.2 t/ha) fresh yield was recorded in HRSDGP-11-18-9. HRSDGP-11-18-1 and HRSDGP-11-18-11 had 25.0 and 23.0% higher yield advantage over Sikkim Local variety, respectively. Pod length, pod diameter and seed number/plot were significantly (p ≤ 0.01), and positively correlated with fresh pod yield, and selection of these traits aid for the improvement of yield in garden pea genotypes. HRSDGP-11-18-1 and HRSDGP-11-18-11 were found superior at both locations and can be recommended to evaluate them at on-farm condition for further verification.

Exploring deficit irrigation as a water conservation strategy: Insights from field experiments and model simulation

Deficit irrigation has emerged as a viable approach to increase agricultural water productivity. The objectives of this study were to 1) develop water conservation strategies by investigating responses of green bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) and sweet corn (Zea mays var. saccharata) to four irrigation treatments and 2) evaluate the performance of the Decision Support System for Agrotechnology Transfer (DSSAT) model in simulating growth and yield responses of green bean and sweet corn under four irrigation treatments. A field experiment was conducted using 32 experimental plots, established under a linear move sprinkler irrigation system equipped with variable rate irrigation (VRI) technology, at the Tropical Research and Education Center (TREC), Homestead for two cropping seasons between November and March in 2020–2021 and 2021–2022. The experiment involved four irrigation treatments: full irrigation (FI) (T4), and three levels of deficit irrigation, 75% FI (T3), 50% FI (T2), and 25% FI (T1) with four replications arranged in a completely randomized block design (RCBD) for each crop. The average soil moisture content of the full irrigation treatments was maintained above the management allowable depletion (MAD). Field data collection included various parameters of the crops including plant phenology, plant height, canopy width, fresh and dry biomass, and yield. Results confirmed that all three deficit irrigation treatments did not significantly affect the yield and yield components of the two crops during both seasons compared to the T4. This finding revealed that the highest crop water productivity was achieved from T1, 38.3 and 41.4 kg m−3 for green bean and 54 and 53 kg m−3 for sweet corn during the 2020–2021 and 2021–2022 seasons and up to 75% irrigation water saving could be achieved without affecting plant growth and yield. The DSSAT model performed well in simulating yield and yield components for the two crops in response to the four irrigation treatments. Model evaluation results showed that the minimum mean absolute error (MAE) for green bean fresh pod yield simulation was 2.1 Mg ha−1 with an index of agreement (d-Stat) of 0.6, while for biomass, it was 0.24 Mg ha−1 with a d-Stat of 1. Similarly, for sweet corn, the model simulated fresh cob yield with a minimum MAE of 6.51 Mg ha−1 and d-Stat of 0.9 and biomass with MAE of 1.63 Mg ha−1 and d-Stat of 0.9. Overall, implementing deficit irrigation in green bean and sweet corn fields could result in considerable water savings while achieving acceptable crop yield. The DSSAT model could be also a useful tool to simulate green bean and sweet corn responses to different irrigation scenarios and aid water management decisions under South Florida conditions.

Plastic-covered ridge-furrow planting increases pea (Pisum sativum L.) grain yield and rainwater use efficiency

ABSTRACT Drought is the most important cause of plant yield reduction in dry areas. Plastic mulch is one of the methods of maintaining soil moisture in these areas. Therefore, the present study was conducted to evaluate the effect of plastic mulch and planting beds on rainwater use efficiency and yield in pea over two years. The experimental factors included plastic mulch (without plastic, plastic on the plant, and plastic on the soil) and planting bed (flat planting, planting in a 50 cm furrow, and planting in a 100 cm furrow). The results showed that the treatment of plastic mulch on the soil with planting in 50 cm furrows in the first year had the highest seed number per pod, single plant weight, fresh weight of empty pods, fresh pod yield, harvest index, leaf stomatal conductance, and rainwater use efficiency. Plastic mulch on the soil with planting in 50 cm furrows in the second year had the highest seed number per pod, leaf stomatal conductance, and soil moisture at a depth of 20 cm. In conclusion, plastic mulch with planting in a 50 cm furrow for the production of pea in dry and semi-dry conditions is recommended.

Agro-morphological characterization of selected varieties of vegetable cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.] in Burkina Faso

Vegetable Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) is one of the neglected legumes in Burkina Faso, and as a result, its genetic diversity remains poorly known. The main aim of this study was to know its genetic variability through an agro-morphological characterization. Twenty vegetable cowpea varieties were evaluated at the Kamboinsé Environmental, Agricultural and Training Research Center following a three-replication Fischer block design under rainfed conditions. Fifteen quantitative and nine qualitative variables were collected and subjected to various statistical analyses. Analysis of variance was significant for the variables 50% flowering, vegetable cowpea date, number of pods obtained per plant, number of seeds per pod, fresh pod weight, fresh pod yield, pod length, plant height, seed length and chlorophyll content. Strong correlations were also reported between the various variables. The observed diversity is structured in three morphological groups viz., Group 1 consists of individuals with early flowering, high chlorophyll content and the number of pods obtained per plant. Group 2 brings together the varieties of average agronomic performance for pod length, the number of pods per plant, number of days at 95% maturity, fresh pod weight, yield of fresh pods and group 3 of varieties with long pods, early green date, high pod weight and good fresh pod yield. Among the tested varieties, the varieties IT83S-872 (30 pods), IT84S-2246 (27 pods), Baguette (25 pods), IT83S-818 (26 pods), and IT85F-2682 (24 pods) stood out for their high pod production. In addition, the varieties of vegetable cowpea baguette, baguette grimpant, Telma, and IT83S-911 showed the best performance in terms of early vegetable cowpea date stage, longest pods, highest pod weight and best yield of fresh pods. The high genetic variability level within the tested varieties could be exploited in future green cowpea breeding programmes.

The effect combination of organic and inorganic fertilizer on okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) growth

Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) is the most commonly and popular vegetables. The application of inorganic fertilizer is very important to increase the productivity of the crop, but overuse of inorganic fertilizer can lead to soil acidification that can affect the plant growth. The purpose of these study is to determine the effectiveness combination rate of organic and inorganic fertilizer toward okra growth and yield performance. This study was conducted in a greenhouse by using Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with four replicates. The study was used chicken dung as organic fertilizer. The treatments applied were T0 (NPK), T1 (NPK + 20 g chicken dung), T2 (NPK + 40 g chicken dung), and T3 (NPK + 60 g chicken dung). NPK green was applied only one-time during 14 days after sowing (DAS) and was continued with NPK blue. T3 showed an increasing in fresh pod yield. Thus, combination of organic fertilizer and inorganic fertilizer was showed the positive effect to the crop production. The combination of organic and inorganic fertilizer was proven to be the most effective in okra production.

Effect of Source and Rate of Livestock Manure on Yield, Quality and Net Economic Benefit of Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench.)

Okra farmers use inorganic fertilizers which are expensive, they result to water pollution, increases the soil acidity, which affects soil nutrients availability and uptake as well as reducing microbial activity. Organic manure improves soil physical, chemical and biological properties, and are environmental friendly. However, farmers have limited information on the utilization of these organic manure sources on growth yield, quality and net economic benefit of okra. A study was conducted to determine the effects of rate cattle, goat and poultry manure on okra growth, yield, quality and net economic benefit at KALRO-Kandara Centre in Murang’a County between 2018 and 2019. The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design with three replications for two cultivations. There were 10 treatments, i.e., 0, 3, 6 and 7 tonne ha-1 for cattle and goat manure, and 0, 3, 5 and 7 tonnes ha-1 poultry manure that were applied before planting okra variety Pusa Sawani. Data collected included yield characteristics total fresh pod yield and quality characteristics mainly total soluble solids (TSS). Data collected was subjected to analysis of variance using SAS statistical software version 9.4 and significantly different means were separated using LSD at α = 0.05. The results showed that there was significant effect of treatments (p < 0.05) on yield, quality and net economic benefit of okra. Poultry manure at the rate of 5t ha-1 recorded highest yield while control had the least. Goat manure at the rate of 6 tonnes ha-1 recorded the highest total soluble solids, hence, produced pods of the highest quality of 3.18°Brix and 3.21°Brix for Trial 1 and Trial 2, respectively, whereas the control produced pods of lowest quality of 2.31°Brix and 2.34°Brix for Trial 1 and Trial 2, respectively. Cattle manure at the rate of 6 tonnes ha-1 recorded the best net economic benefit of Ksh. 700,267 in Trial 1 and Ksh. 694,320 in Trial 2, while the control gave minimal returns of Ksh. 69,158 in Trial 1 and Ksh. 64,320 in Trial 2. This indicates an increase of net economic benefit of Ksh. 631,109 in Trial 1 and Ksh. 630,000 in Trial 2 for cattle manure compared to the control. The results of this study clearly indicate that in okra production, application of different types of animal organic manure can improve the productivity of the okra. The study recommends application of 5 tonnes ha-1 poultry manure, or 6 tonnes ha-1 of goat or cattle manure for best growth, yield, quality and net economic benefit of okra.

Effect of Sowing Dates on Growth, Yield and Quality Components of Bush Type Vegetable French Bean Varieties

An experiment was conducted during the rabi season of 2017–18 and 2018–19 at Uttar Banga Krishi Vishwavidyalaya, Cooch Behar, West Bengal, India to study the effect of sowing time and variety on the growth, yield and quality of bush type vegetable French bean. The treatments were laid out in factorial randomised block design with three replications by keeping sowing time (S1: 1st November, S2:16th November, S3:1st December, S4: 16th December and S5: 31st December) as a first factor and varieties (V1: Falguni, V2: Arka Komal and V3: Nandini) as a second factor. Results revealed that, among the varieties the highest plant height (36.15 cm) , pod length (13.75 cm), pod width (1.13 cm), individual fresh pod weight (5.20 g), yield plant-1 (106.64 g) and yield ha-1 (16.36 t ha-1) was recorded in Arka Komal. However, the number of primary branches, number of pods plant-1 and protein content were found to be lowest in the same variety. Regarding the different sowing time, pod length (13.95 cm), individual fresh pod weight (5.47 g), number of pods per plant (27.64), yield plant-1 (136.22 g), yield per ha (20.86 t ha-1) and protein content (1.89%) was highest in plants sown on 16th November, per contra the yield curtailed as the sowing time was pushed back from 16th November to 31st December. On the strength of above findings, it can be inferred that Arka Komal scheduled for sowing on 16th November could be an ideal for cultivation in the Terai zone of West Bengal.

Investigation of Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.)–Insect Pollinator Interactions Aiming to Increase Cowpea Yield and Define New Breeding Tools

Impact of pollination on the agri-food sector is of paramount importance. Pollinators contribute to the maintenance of ecosystems, the reproduction and survival of many plants, and their presence usually leads to increased yield and quality of agricultural products. Breeding and selecting for plant traits for enhancing pollinator visits could therefore lead to more resilient farming systems. In stating the advantages of enhancing pollinators in agricultural systems, this study was designed aiming to assess six cowpea accessions for their flower traits and their effect on insect-pollinators. Pollinators species abundance and foraging activity was recorded and their impact on yield was investigated. Twenty-five of the twenty-seven flower traits studied differed statistically significantly among cowpea accessions. The main pollinators recorded belonged to the genus Xylocopa (Latreille, 1802). Seed and fresh pod yield was not affected by pollinators. The floral traits related to pollinators abundance and foraging activity were flower color, inflorescence position and the hours that the flowers per plant remained open during the day. However, they were not related linearly to pollinators abundance and foraging activity; therefore, they did not constitute safe traits for selection aiming to increase pollinators visitation. The findings suggested that other traits, such as pollen and nectar reward, probably perform a more important role in attracting pollinators compared to flower traits.

Hydroponic Common-Bean Performance under Reduced N-Supply Level and Rhizobia Application.

This study aims to explore the possibility of a reduced application of inorganic nitrogen (N) fertiliser on the yield, yield qualities, and biological nitrogen fixation (BNF) of the hydroponic common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.), without compromising plant performance, by utilizing the inherent ability of this plant to symbiotically fix N2. Until the flowering stage, plants were supplied with a nutrient solution containing N-concentrations of either a, 100%, conventional standard-practice, 13.8 mM; b, 75% of the standard, 10.35 mM; or c, 50% of the standard, 6.9 mM. During the subsequent reproductive stage, inorganic-N treatments b and c were decreased to 25% of the standard, and the standard (100% level) N-application was not altered. The three different inorganic-N supply treatments were combined with two different rhizobia strains, and a control (no-inoculation) treatment, in a two-factorial experiment. The rhizobia strains applied were either the indigenous strain Rhizobium sophoriradicis PVTN21 or the commercially supplied Rhizobium tropici CIAT 899. Results showed that the 50-25% mineral-N application regime led to significant increases in nodulation, BNF, and fresh-pod yield, compared to the other treatment, with a reduced inorganic-N supply. On the other hand, the 75-25% mineral-N regime applied during the vegetative stage restricted nodulation and BNF, thus incurring significant yield losses. Both rhizobia strains stimulated nodulation and BNF. However, the BNF capacity they facilitated was suppressed as the inorganic-N input increased. In addition, strain PVTN21 was superior to CIAT 899-as 50-25% N-treated plants inoculated with the former showed a yield loss of 11%, compared to the 100%-N-treated plants. In conclusion, N-use efficiency optimises BNF, reduces mineral-N-input dependency, and therefore may reduce any consequential negative environmental consequences of mineral-N over-application.

Impact of the rootstock genotype on the performance of grafted common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) cultivars

Grafting is an excellent tool to investigate shoot/root interactions involved in root nodulation by rhizobia and biological nitrogen fixation (BNF) in legumes of high economic and nutritional importance, such as common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.). Considering this, three landraces and one commercial cultivar of common bean were grafted onto eight different legume genotypes to identify possible rootstock × scion combinations that increase yield, and to study the impact of the root genotype on nitrogen fixation. The genotypes were three Greek landraces of Phaseolus vulgaris L. (namely ‘Chandres Therines’, ‘Pyrgetos’ and ‘Tsaoulia’), and one commercial cultivar (cv. ‘Helda’). These were grafted onto six different Greek landraces of Phaseolus vulgaris L., particularly ‘Chandres’, ‘Papouda’, ‘Pastalia’, ‘Vanilla’, ‘Zargana Chryssoupolis’ and ‘Zargana Kavalas’, one Phaseolus coccineus L. landrace originating from the Greek province Feneos, and one cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp) landrace originating from Arta, Greece. Grafting success was mainly determined by the rootstock genotype. The best rootstock/scion combination, attaining 100% success, was ‘Tsaoulia’ grafted onto ‘Zargana Kavalas’. Moreover, the use of P. coccineus L. as rootstock enhanced appreciably the fresh pod yield by increasing the number of fresh pods. In contrast, cowpea was an incompatible rootstock for grafting P. vulgaris, as all plants grafted on it failed to survive. Most grafting combinations reduced the% of N derived from the atmosphere (%Ndfa) through BNF. Despite the decreased%Ndfa, some rootstocks increased the biologically fixed N per cultivated area unit due to higher total biomass production, which indicates involvement of mechanisms causing rootstock/scion interactions.

Potential of Faba Bean (Vicia faba L.) for Dual-purpose Vegetable Production and Cover Cropping

Cover cropping has been strongly promoted, but few growers have realized the benefits of this practice due to challenges linked to economic returns and whole-system management. In the western United States, winter legumes including faba bean have the potential to add economic value while offering soil health benefits compared with fallow fields. This experiment assessed the potential of five vegetable faba bean varieties for fresh pod yield, fresh pod quality, and biomass N return under a single and multiple pod harvest scheme. Vegetable faba bean varieties were further compared with two popular cover crop faba bean varieties, ‘Bell bean’ and ‘Sweet Lorane’ for cover crop and biomass N return benefits. The experiment revealed significant (P ≤ 0.05) genotypic variation for vegetable fresh pod yield, dry biomass, fresh pod quality, pod N removal, biomass N return, and C:N in three testing environments under the single and multiple harvest schemes. Finally, the vegetable variety ‘Vroma’ produced high average fresh pod yield under the single (16,178 kg·ha−1) and multiple (38,928 kg·ha−1) harvest schemes while maintaining high biomass N return under the single (119 kg·ha−1 N) and multiple harvests (97 kg·ha−1 N) compared with the cover crop varieties (128 kg·ha−1 N). This experiment demonstrated that a single fresh pod harvest on an early and high yielding faba bean variety can generate economic returns while also providing cover crop benefits that are comparable to termination of a faba bean cover crop on the same date.

Harnessing hybrid vigor: Unveiling heterosis for fresh pod yield and its component traits in vegetable pigeon pea (Cajanus Cajan L. Millsp.)

Harnessing hybrid vigor: Unveiling heterosis for fresh pod yield and its component traits in vegetable pigeon pea (Cajanus Cajan L. Millsp.)

Cassava Groundnut Intercropping: A Sustainable Land Management Practice for Increasing Crop Productivity and Organic Carbon Stock on Smallholder Farms

Cassava-groundnut intercropping is not a common practice among smallholder farmers in Sierra Leone even though both crops are well suited for intercropping. On-farm trials were conducted in three locations (Bai Largor, Bassah, and Njala Kanima) in the Moyamba district during the 2021 cropping season to investigate the efficacy of cassava-groundnut intercropping for increasing crop productivity and soil organic carbon stock on smallholder farms in the Moyamba district, Southern Sierra Leone. The experimental design was a randomized complete block design in three replications with treatments of sole groundnut, sole cassava and cassava-groundnut intercropping. Data on the yield and yield components of cassava and groundnut were analysed using the PROC MIXED procedure of SAS 9.4 and means were compared using the standard error of difference (SED). The above-ground biomass, number of roots per plant, and fresh root yield of cassava were not significantly (p > 0.05) affected by the cassava-based cropping system. Averaged across locations, intercropping cassava with groundnut decreased the above-ground biomass, the number of roots per plant, and fresh root yield of cassava by 17%, 11%, and 17%, respectively. The above-ground biomass, number of pods per plant and fresh pod yield of groundnut were significantly (p 1), the highest net revenue and benefit-cost ratio. The benefit-cost ratio was also favourable for the sole cassava (BCR > 1) but not favourable for the sole groundnut (BCR < 1). Averaged across locations, intercropping cassava with groundnut increased the benefit-cost ratio by 121% and 13% when compared to the sole groundnut and sole cassava. In the event of a 40% yield loss for the cassava and groundnut, the benefit-cost ratio was favourable (1.12) only for the cassava groundnut intercropping system. The net soil organic carbon stock was favourable only for the cassava-groundnut intercrop. Averaged across locations, the net soil organic carbon for the cassava-groundnut intercropping increased by 3.4% when compared to the baseline within one cropping cycle of the cassava (12 months). The results confirm that cassava-groundnut intercropping is a sustainable land management practice that could enhance crop productivity and soil organic carbon stock on smallholder farms.

Fresh Pod Yield, Physical and Nutritional Quality Attributes of Common Bean as Influenced by Conventional or Organic Farming Practices

The aim of the current study wat to comparatively assess the impact of different nitrogen (N) fertilization schemes on fresh pod yield and yield quality in either organically or conventionally grown common beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.). Prior to common bean crop establishment, the experimental field site was cultivated following either organic (a) or conventional (b) farming practices with a winter non-legume crop (Brassica oleracea var. italica) (BR), or (c) with field bean (Vicia faba sp.) destined to serve as a green manure (GM) crop. At the end of the winter cultivation period the broccoli crop residues (BR) and green manure biomass (GM) were incorporated into the soil and the plots that accommodated the treatments (a) and (c) were followed by an organically cultivated common bean crop, while the conventional broccoli crop was followed by a conventionally cropped common bean crop. Additional to the plant residues (BR), sheep manure (SM) at a rate of 40 kg N ha-1 was also applied to the organically treated common beans, while the plots with a conventionally cropped common bean received 75 kg N ha-1. Organic common bean treated with SM + BR produced smaller pods of higher dry matter and bioactive compound content, responses that are correlated with limited soil N availability. No significant variations were observed on yield components and N levels of pods cultivated under organic (SM + GM) and conventional cropping systems. Pod sugar and starch content was not influenced by the different fertilization practices. In conclusion, we have demonstrated that the combined application of SM + GM can be considered as an efficient N-fertilisation strategy for organic crops of common bean, benefiting their nutritional value without compromising yield.

Evaluation of French Bean (Phaseolus Vulgaris L.) Genotypes for Spring Season Planting in Mid Hills of Nepal

An experiment was conducted at National Horticulture Research Centre (NHRC), Khumaltar, Lalitpur, Nepal from March to July of 2019 and 2020 to identify suitable bean genotypes for spring season planting. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications having seven genotypes as treatments viz. Semi Light Long, Long Green Bean, Trishuli, Four Season, LB-37, Pahelo Gheusimi, and Khairo Gheusimi. Observations were recorded on morphological characters, yield, and yield contributing attributes. All genotypes under study showed significant differences among each other. Pahelo Gheusimi was found to be early maturing (81 days after sowing) whereas genotype Four Season had the longest harvesting duration (29 days). Similarly, pod length (20.52 cm) and pod weight (16.60 g) was recorded highest in Long Green Bean, while the highest pod diameter was recorded in Pahelo Gheusimi (12.59 mm). A significantly highest number of pods (92/plant) was observed in Four Season whereas the highest fresh pod yield (1030.3 g/plant) per plant was observed in Long Green Bean which was at par with Four Season (997.1 g/plant). The calculated yield per hectare was 2.5 times higher in Long Green Bean (28.66 t/ha) as compared to the national average in 2020. Both rust incidence and Yellow Bean Mosaic Virus susceptibility were found less in Long Green Bean and Four Season. Based on the two-year observations, Long Green Bean and Four Season were found to be promising for spring season planting.

Evaluation of Cluster Bean (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba L.) Genotypes for Vegetable Pod Yield and Guar Gum Production

Cluster bean is a multipurpose legume crop grown in arid and semiarid regions for feed, fodder, and vegetable purpose. In the present study, seven genotypes of cluster bean were evaluated to estimate vegetable pod yield and guar gum properties under Coimbatore conditions. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design with five replications. Observation on 14 characters viz., plant height (cm), days to first flowering, days to 50% flowering, number of flower cluster per plant, number of pods per cluster, number of pods per plant, pod length (cm), fresh pod weight (g), dry pod weight (g), fresh pod yield per plant (g), dry pod yield per plant (g), seed yield per plant (g), guar gum in seed (%) and protein content in seed (%) were recorded. The results of present investigation showed that CT CBE 002 outperformed all other genotypes studied in terms of plant height (156.34 cm), total number of clusters (16.44.), number of pods per cluster (6.78), number of pods per plant (99.64), seed yield per plant (29.61 g), guar gum percent (30.56 %), and seed protein content (22.13%). Pod weight was found to be the highest in MDU 1(6.62 g). CT CBE 001 was found to have the maximum pod yield per plant (343.12 g) and pod length (15.16 cm) and had the earliest days to first flowering (27.00 days) and days to 50% flowering (39.80 days).