Common Bean Yield Research Articles

Immunity priming and biostimulation by airborne nonanal increase yield of field-grown common bean plants

IntroductionStress-induced volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that induce plant immunity bear potential for biocontrol. Here, we explore the potential of nonanal to enhance the seed yield of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) under open field conditions that are realistic for smallholder farmers.Methods and resultsUsing plastic cups with a nonanal-containing lanolin paste as low-cost dispensers, we observed that exposure of Flor de Junio Marcela (FJM) plants over 48h to airborne nonanal was followed by a 3-fold higher expression of pathogenesis-related (PR) genes PR1 and PR4. Both genes further increased their expression in response to subsequent challenge with the fungal pathogen Colletotrichum lindemuthianum. Therefore, we conclude that nonanal causes resistance gene priming. This effect was associated with ca. 2.5-fold lower infection rates and a 2-fold higher seed yield. Offspring of nonanal-exposed FJM plants exhibited a 10% higher emergence rate and a priming of PR1- and PR4-expression, which was associated with decreased infection by C. lindemuthianum and, ultimately, a ca. 3-fold increase in seed yield by anthracnose-infected offspring of nonanal-exposed plants. Seeds of nonanal-exposed and of challenged plants contained significantly more phenolic compounds (increase by ca 40%) and increased antioxidant and radical scavenging activity. Comparative studies including five widely used bean cultivars revealed 2-fold to 3-fold higher seed yield for nonanal-exposed plants. Finally, a cost-benefit analysis indicated a potential economic net profit of nonanal exposure for some, but not all cultivars.OutlookWe consider nonanal as a promising candidate for an affordable tool that allows low-income smallholder farmers to increase the yield of an important staple-crop without using pesticides

Co‐inoculation with Rhizobium, Azospirillum, and microalgae increases common bean yield and profitability

Co‐inoculation with <i>Rhizobium</i>, <i>Azospirillum</i>, and microalgae increases common bean yield and profitability

Determination of the Appropriate Blended Inorganic Fertilizer Rate Recommendation for the Optimal Common Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) Grain Yield and Profitability in the Dawuro Zone, Ethiopia

Soil fertility decline is a significant factor affecting crop production. In a specific area, fertilizer application for a crop depends on soil type and profitability. Moreover, optimizing chemical fertilizer utilization in crop production is crucial from both environmental and economic perspectives. However, there is limited information available on the optimum NPSB fertilizer rate for common bean production in the study area. Thus, the study aimed to establish area-specific NPSB fertilizer rate recommendations for optimal grain yield and profitability of common bean. The field experiment was conducted in two locations in the 2019 and 2020 cropping seasons. The treatments included 0, 25, 50, 75, 100, 125, 150, 175, and 200 kg·ha−1 NPSB fertilizer rates, and they were planted using a randomized complete block design with three replications. The combined location analysis of variance indicated that the application of NPSB fertilizer significantly influenced plant height, number of pods per plant, number of seeds per pod, hundred-seed weight, biomass yield, grain yield, and harvest index. The highest grain yields (2815 kg·ha−1 and 3433 kg·ha−1) were recorded with the application of a 125 kg·ha−1 NPSB blended fertilizer rate, while the lowest grain yields (1429 kg·ha−1 and 1500 kg·ha−1) were produced from the nonfertilizer applied plot in Deneba and Wara, respectively. The combined location mean showed that the maximum grain yield (3124 kg·ha−1), followed by 2710 kg·ha−1, was produced by the application of 125 and 100 kg·ha−1 NPSB fertilizer rates, respectively. The data indicate that raising the NPSB fertilizer rate from 0 to 125 kg·ha−1 would greatly boost grain yield in the common bean in both locations in a similar manner. The economic analysis revealed that applying 125 kg·ha−1 of NPSB fertilizer earned the highest net benefits (140453.2 ETB·ha−1) with the highest marginal rate of return (1745.26%). Therefore, for high yield and profitability of common bean, a rate of 125 kg·ha−1 NPSB fertilizer is suggested in the study area and similar agro-ecological zones.

Effects of NPSB Fertilizers Rate on the Yield of Common Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) at Tocha District, Southern Ethiopia

Use of balanced nutrition means supplying other essential plant nutrients in adequate amount and proportion along with N and P. This implies N and P fertilizers are not the only yield determining nutrients but also S, B, and Cu nutrients are important nutrient for crop production. A trial was conducted in Tocha District to evaluate the rate of blended fertilizers to improve Common bean yield during main cropping season of 2019 and 2020. The experiment consists of seven treatment including (1) control, (2) NPSB: 18.9-37.7-6.95-0.1 (3) NPSB: 28.35-56.55-10.425-0.15 (4) NPSB: 37.8-75.4-13.9-0.2, (5) NPSB: 18.9-37.7-6.95-0.1+0.4kgCu, (6) NPSB: 28.35-56.55-10.425-0.15+0.4kgCu and (7) NPSB: 37.8-75.4-13.9-0.2+0.4kgCu. Soil physic chemical properties of the experimental site had moderately acidic, moderate level of OC and total N, high level of exchangeable K, very high level of CEC, low level of available P and clay loam textural class. In generally, application of blended fertilizer yielded better when compared with control. NPSB with the ratio of 37.8-75.4-13.9-0.2 (200kg NPSB) gave significantly optimum yield (4368.83 kg ha-1) compared to other treatments and also the highest net benefit (18725 ETB/ha) was obtained with acceptable marginal rate of return (MRR) (375.91%) which is more than the minimum acceptable MRR (100%) considered in this experiment. Similarly, NPSB 18.9-37.7-6.95-0.1 gave considerable net benefit with acceptable MRR. Therefore, based on the yield response and economic indicators, 200kg NPSB (37.8-75.4-13.9-0.2) is recommended as the best option and 100kg NPSB (18.9-37.7-6.95-0.1) as an alternative option for common bean producers at Tocha district and areas with the same soil conditions and agro-ecology.

Short-term service crops affect the spatial organization of soil aggregates, microbial C[sbnd]N biomass, and microbial activities in a degraded monoculture system

Service crops are grown to provide ecosystem services, such as the ability to increase soil organic matter and fertility. Also, they reduce erosion processes, weed control, disease regulation, water purification, soil biodiversity, and physical restoration. The physical arrangement of elemental particles in soil aggregates controls many ecosystem functions such as soil stability and carbon sequestration. This study aimed to analyze the short-term effect of including different service crops on the soil aggregate dynamics in a degraded common bean monoculture system and how it influences the rhizospheric microbial activity, carbon, and nitrogen microbial biomass. Here, we measured soil water-stable aggregates, particulate and associated organic carbon, soil microbial biomass, microbial activity, service crop aerial biomass, and cash crop yield in bulk soils during the 2020/2021 and 2021/2022 agricultural cycles. Soil samples from depths of 0–10 cm from five management treatments (annual service crop/common bean) were analyzed under no-tillage: 1) Oat (O) = Avena sativa/common bean; 2) Wheat (W) = Triticale/common bean; 3) Vetch (V) = Vicia villosa/common bean; 4) Melilotus (Me) = Melilotus alba/common bean; 5) common bean monoculture (M) = common bean without service crop. Additionally, two controls were analyzed: 6) Brachiaria perennial (BP) = Brachiaria brizantha perennial; 7) Native vegetation (NV). Service crops significantly increased aggregate stability, mean weight diameter, particulate matter and associated organic carbon, promoting the formation of large macroaggregates (0.25–2 mm and > 2 mm). This led to an increase in carbon stocks. Microbial activity expressed as hydrolysis of fluorescein diacetate and acid phosphatase activity, increased in the largest fraction for all service crops. Vicia improved surface residues; on average all service crops increased the common bean yield by 107.25 %. In summary, Vicia represents the best alternative as a service crop to improve the quality and health of degraded monoculture soils.

Influence of native rhizobacteria co‐inoculation and formulation of bacterial inoculants on the growth and yield of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.)

AbstractIntroductionIncorporation of inoculum in different carrier materials may increase the efficacy of bacterial inocula.Materials and MethodsField experiments were conducted using two strains of rhizobium and phosphate‐solubilizing bacteria (PSB) and their respective combinations using different carrier materials in common bean‐growing regions in three soil types in Kenya. The field experiment was laid out in a split‐plot arrangement with the strain inoculations as the main plot while the subplots consisted of the carrier materials (filter mud, peat moss and yeast extract mannitol broth [YEMB]). Each main plot included two controls: uninoculated negative control and uninoculated controls that received N and P fertilizer. The experiment was conducted for two cropping seasons. Data were collected on the nodulation, shoot and root biomass and yield.ResultsCo‐inoculation of the common bean with Rhizobium phaseoli + Bacillus aryabhattai strains had significantly higher number of nodules (55 nodules per plant) compared to single R. phaseoli inoculation (38 nodules). The co‐inoculation of the rhizobia and the PSB yielded statistically at par with the application of diammonium phosphate (18:46:0) across the soil types and seasons. The use of filter mud as a carrier material led to a higher number of nodules for most of the rhizobia strains inoculation and their respective co‐inoculation with the bacillus strains. Significantly higher yield was obtained with the filter mud (1.64 Mg ha−1) while there was no significant difference in the yield of common bean between peat moss and YEMB as carrier materials for the bacterial strains.ConclusionThe solid carrier material, specifically filter mud, showed potential for use in the formulation of inoculants. Specific co‐inoculation of rhizobia (R. phaseoli and Rhizobium pusense strains) and PSB (Paenibacillus polymyxa and B. aryabhattai) increased the growth, nodulation and yield of common bean more efficiently than the control.

Nitrogen management in common bean cultivars in soil infected by Meloidogyne incognita

The selection of an appropriate nitrogen (N) source can mitigate the negative effect of root-knot nematodes on the yield of common beans. A greenhouse experiment was conducted to assess the application efficiency of four N sources (urea, ammonium sulfate, ammonium nitrate, and sodium nitrate) and inoculation with Rhizobium tropici on the yield components, chlorophyll, and total nitrogen (N) leaf contents of four common bean cultivars (IDR Curió, IDR Sabiá, IDR Tuiuiú, and IDR Bem-te-vi). These beans were cultivated in substrates both infected and uninfected with Meloidogyne incognita. In the soil containing phytonematodes, the IDR Curió cultivar exhibited the highest shoot and root dry weight yield, resulting in the greatest root volume, total N content, and grain yield. Among the N sources, the application of either urea or ammonium sulfate proved the most effective in enhancing common bean productivity in soil, irrespective of the cultivar or whether the soil was infected with Meloidogyne incognita.

Effects of Inorganic Phosphorus and Organic Fertilizer on Growth and Yield of Common Bean (Phaseolus Vulgaris L.) under Kabul Conditions

In Afghanistan, the main reasons for low crop yields are low soil fertility. Growing human populations has resulted in shrinking land areas and decreased soil fertility. Also, the overuse of chemical fertilizers is considered to be the main cause of soil characteristics deterioration, such as soil fertility, soil biology, and soil physical properties. On the other hand, no research has been done to find the ideal phosphorus and organic (ORGOFERT) fertilizer rate for improving common bean production in Afghanistan. Thus, it is pertinent to determine the optimum phosphorus and organic fertilizer dose for common bean cultivation in Afghanistan, where this crop is grown expensively. In 2020, a field trial took place at the agriculture faculty research farm of Kabul University during the growing season. The trial utilized a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. Each plot measured 200cm x 300cm, with plants spaced 40 cm apart in rows and 20 cm apart within rows. Different amounts of phosphorus and organic fertilizer were applied in the experiment. The results indicated that employing 50 kg of ORGOFERT and 80 kg of P2O5 fertilizers per hectare led to enhanced growth parameters such as plant height, number of branches per plant, and number of green leaves per plant, as well as improved yield attributes including the number of pods per plant, number of grains per pod, 100-grain weight, and total grain yield per hectare. The ideal amount of phosphorous and ORGOFERT fertilizer to improve the growth and production of common beans under field conditions might be the rate of 80kg P2O5 + 50 kg ORGOFERT fertilizer ha-1 under Kabul's agro-ecological conditions.

Effectiveness of Rhizobium tropici sp. Strain UD5 Peat Biofertilizer Inoculant on Growth, Yield, and Nitrogen Concentration of Common Bean

Common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) ranks among the most produced and consumed legume crops and contains essential macro- and micronutrients. Grain yield of the food crop is markedly decreased by poor management, especially a lack of additional essential nutrient elements through the application of fertilizers. In addition to the application of fertilizers, scholarly research and crop farmers have shown that the use of biofertilizer inoculants improves the yield of legume crops. The objective of this research study was to assess the effectiveness of peat-based Rhizobium tropici sp. UD5 on the growth, yield, and nitrogen concentration of common bean. The peat inoculant contained 6.5 × 109 viable cells/g. The experiment was conducted in two climatic zones, as described by the Koppen–Gieger climatic classification system. Treatments involved the peat-based inoculant Rhizobium tropici (T0 = 0 g without inoculation, T1 = 250 g of peat inoculant of strain UD5 for 50 kg seeds, T2 = 500 g of inoculant of strain UD5, and T3 = 200 g of comparative peat inoculant). The results indicated that common-bean-inoculated formulation of R. tropici sp. strain UD5 increased the following parameters compared to the controls: plant height (T1 = 18.22%, T2 = 20.41%, and T3 = 19.93% for bioclimatic zone 1; T1 = 16.78%, T2 = 20.71%, and T3 = 19.93% for bioclimatic zone 2), root length (T1 = 13.26%, T2 = 21.28%, and T3 = 19.38% for zone 1; T1 = 15.06%, T2 = 23.70%, and T3 = 19.20% for zone 2), number of nodules (T1 = 1162.57%, T2 = 1166.36%, and T3 = 1180.30% for zone 1; T1 = 1575%, T2 = 1616.5%, and T3 = 1608.25% for zone 2), size of nodules (T1 = 224.07%, T2 = 224.07%, and T3 = 208.33% for zone 1; T1 = 166.4%, T2 = 180%, and T3 = 140% for zone 2), and yield (T1 = 40.49%, T2 = 47.10%, and T3 = 45.45% for zone 1; T1 = 62.16%, T2 = 54.05%, and T3 = 58.55% for zone 2). R. tropici sp. UD5 peat inoculant formulation also increased the nitrogen concentration in leaves compared to the control (T1 = 3.75%, T2 = 1.12%, and T3 = 8.72%) in both bioclimatic zones. The findings of this study provide significant information on the positive effect of R. tropic UD5 strain peat inoculant application in the improvement of plant growth, development, and yield through the formation of nodules.

Farmyard Manure Integrated with Triple Superphosphate for Improved Soil Conditions and Yield of Bio-Fortified Common Beans

Increasing prices of fertilizers and low nutrient concentration in organic manure are highly contributing to poor soil conditions and increased yield gap of bio-fortified common beans. A field study was carried out to assess the effect of farmyard manure integrated with triple superphosphate on soil conditions and yield of bio-fortified common bean Genotypes in central Uganda. The experiments were set in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) conducted at Mukono Zonal Agricultural Research Institute (MUZARDI) in two rainfall seasons. Treatments included; Cattle manure + TSP, Swine manure + TSP, Chicken manure + TSP, TSP alone and control replicated five times. Bio-fortified common bean genotypes studied were: Naro bean 1, Naro bean 3 and NABE16 a local check. Data was collected on; organic matter, soil pH, nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus content, harvest index, number of pods, pod length, number of seeds per pod, weight of 100 seeds, and grain yield of bio-fortified common beans. Data was subjected to statistical test and analysis of variance using GenStat statistical package (15th edition). Results showed that amending field plots with Swine manure + TSP significantly increased Organic matter by; 1.51% and potassium 1.22% than Chicken manure + TSP, Cattle + TSP, TSP alone and a control respectively. Chicken manure + TSP increased soil pH and Nitrogen by 1.80 and 2.20% while, TSP alone improved Phosphorus by 5.2 PPM than other treatments. Yield parameters were not significantly (P&gt;0.05) affected by treatments except weight of 100 seeds. However, bean genotypes grown in Swine manure + TSP recorded maximum yield of 14 pods, 4 seeds per pod, 32.93 g weight of 100seeds, grain yield was (1843 kgha-1) and lowest (1253 to 650 kg/ha) in TSP+ cattle manure and control. It was therefore, concluded that swine manure + TSP significantly improved soil conditions and yield of bio-fortified common beans. Therefore, basing on these findings, farmers should adopt amendment of swine manure with TSP for improved soil conditions and yields of Naro bean 1

Impact of Chlorella vulgaris, Nannochloropsis salina, and Arthrospira platensis as bio-stimulants on common bean plant growth, yield and antioxidant capacity

The use of bio-stimulants in agriculture has emerged as a promising strategy to improve crop growth and yield. One type of bio-stimulant that has gained attention is microalgae extracts, which are known for their high metabolic activity, bioactive compounds, and ability to enhance plant growth and development. To investigate their effectiveness, a pot experiment was conducted at the Experimental Farm of Helwan University in Egypt during the 2022 season. The experiment aimed to evaluate the efficacy of Chlorella vulgaris, Nannochloropsis salina, and Arthrospira platensis (Spirulina platensis) extracts as bio-stimulants, applied through foliar spray at concentrations ranging from 0.25 to 2.0%, on common bean plants. Analysis of algal extract showed that . N. salina had the highest content of promotive growth hormones gibberellins (GA3) (74.85 ± 2.7mg100 g−1 d.wt). and auxins (IAA) (34.57 ± 2.7µg 100 g−1 d.wt.) compared to Chlorella and Arthrospira..The results revealed that the application of C. vulgaris, N. salina, and A. platensis extracts at concentrations up to 1.0% significantly improved various growth parameters, such as root, and shoot length, number of leaves and flowers per plant, leaf area, and total fresh and dry weight per plant. These extracts also positively affected yield attributes, including the number and fresh weight of pods per plant, seed index, seed yield per plant, and per feddan [a unit of land area]. Furthermore, the application of these extracts increased the chlorophyll content index with the maximum values of CCI (17.95. and 17.81%) was obtained at 0.50% N. salina, followed by 0.50% C.vulgaris. In addition to increase in the capacity of both non-enzymatic antioxidants [such as total antioxidant capacity, phenolics, and flavonoids] and enzymatic antioxidants [including catalase and ascorbic oxidase]. The most promising results were observed with the application of N. salina, and C. vulgaris extracts at a concentration of 0.5%. Additionally, the extracts significantly reduced the content of oxidative stress markers, such as malondialdehyde, percentage of electrolyte leakage, and hydrogen peroxide, in common bean plants compared to the control group. Contrarily, the measured parameters were reduced, while the levels of oxidative stress markers and some antioxidants including peroxidase, ascorbic peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and glutathione transferase were increased by three algal extracts at a concentration of 2.0%, compared to control plants. Additionally, the application of these microalgae extracts improved the quality parameters, proximate composition, seed energy, and mineral contents of the harvested seeds, with the most significant positive impact was observed at 0.5% concentration of algal extract. These findings demonstrate the successful and safe utilization of extracts from C. vulgaris, N. salina, and A. platensis at concentrations up to 1.0% as bio-stimulants to enhance common bean yields and improve the nutritional quality of dried beans for consumers.

Lithothamnium Effects on Soil Attributes, Phosphorus Utilization Efficiency, and Grain Yield of Soybeans, Corn, and Common Bean

Lithothamnium Effects on Soil Attributes, Phosphorus Utilization Efficiency, and Grain Yield of Soybeans, Corn, and Common Bean

Organomineral Fertilization Associated with Inoculation of Rhizobium tropici and Co-Inoculation of Azospirillum brasilense in Common Bean

The use of organomineral fertilizers can serve as a nutritional source for crops, ensuring sustainability in the production system. Another alternative approach is through the inoculation and co-inoculation of microorganisms. The objective of this study was to evaluate the development, nutrition, and agronomic yield of common beans through fertilization with the organomineral formula “OMF”, derived from sewage sludge biosolids, combined with Rhizobium tropici inoculation and co-inoculation with Azospirillum brasilense techniques. Three bean cultivars from different commercial groups, Pérola, BRS Esteio, and BRS Pitanga, were tested. They underwent OMF application; OMF application combined with seed inoculation with Rhizobium tropici and re-inoculation; seed co-inoculation with Rhizobium tropici + Azospirillum brasilense prior to sowing; and foliar re-inoculation with Rhizobium tropici + Azospirillum brasilense. The results indicated that seed inoculation, combined with leaf re-inoculation at the V4 stage, resulted in greater bean productivity. The combination of Rhizobium tropici with co-inoculation with Azospirillum brasilense generally led to increased productivity compared to mineral nitrogen fertilization. The exclusive use of OMF enabled development and productivity gains. The Pérola bean cultivar showed better adaptation to the applied treatments. In conclusion, this research suggests that there are benefits to using OMF with symbiotic bacteria and growth promoters.

Seleção de cultivares de feijão-comum em sistema de produção irrigado

ABSTRACT In irrigated production systems, the common bean grain yield must reach high levels to maintain economic viability. In this context, management, like the selection of the most adapted cultivars, may be effective in obtaining high yields. Through a three-year experiment, it was aimed to select the common bean cultivars with the highest agronomic and technological performance in an irrigated production system and to determine the yield component that most interfered with common bean yield. The treatments consisted of eight common bean cultivars with indeterminate growth habit and from the pinto bean variety (carioca): ANFc 9, BRS Estilo, BRSMG Madrepérola, Pérola, IAC Alvorada, IAC Milênio, TAA Bola Cheia, and TAA Dama. IAC Milênio and IAC Alvorada had the highest agronomic performance for irrigated production systems, with grain yields up to 17% higher than other cultivars. The cultivars show little variation in the grain technological quality, meeting the culinary and nutritional qualities recommended for common bean. The ANFc 9 cultivar showed the highest crude protein content in grains (19%). The number of pods per plant is the yield component that most interferes with common bean grain yield, generating 86 kg ha-1 increments for each unitary increase. Therefore, the common bean cultivars selection in the irrigated production system is an effective management practice to increase common bean agronomic and quality performance.

Effect of Different Seeding Rates on Growth and Yield of Common Bean

Legumes are one of the most important sources of protein in the diet of many people in developing countries. The protein content of legumes is about twice that of grains, and plant based production of legumes has numerous advantages over animal protein supply in terms of cost and consumer health; the best plant based protein belongs to the common bean, which contains all essential amino acids for the human body. The experiment laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replications; a field experiment was conducted at the agriculture faculty of Kunduz University farm during the cropping season of 2023; the study aimed to investigate the effect of different seeding rates on the growth and yield of common bean viz. 125 kg/ha, 150 kg/ha, 175 kg/ha, 200 kg/ha and 225 kg/ha. The result showed that the best seeding rate was 200 kg/ha, which resulted in significantly higher plant height (39.87cm), leaf area (335.88cm2), brunches/plant (9.89), dry Matter (6.43 gr/plant), pods/plant (13.27), seeds/pod (5.26), 100 seed weight (30.80gr), grain yield (2210.99 kg/ha), Stover yield (4500.00 kg/ha), gross return (265319 AFN/ha), net return (229233 AFN/ha) and B: Cost of Ratio (6.33) followed by seeding of 175 kg/ha, the minimum growth and yield were in seeding rate of 125 kg/ha. It can be concluded that selecting the appropriate seeding rate is crucial for optimizing the growth and yield of common beans.

The Impact of Varied Levels and Application Methods of Boric Acid on the Performance and Protein Content

This research investigates the influence of boron (B) application on the yield and protein content of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.), a crop of significant importance due to its high protein and essential amino acid content. The study underscores boron's crucial, albeit still unclear, role in plant growth, and notes the damage boron deficiency and excess can cause, such as thickened stems, rough leaf tissues, stunted growth, and leaf scorching. Highlighting the plant species-dependent variance in optimal boron requirements, with legumes including common bean often needing more, the study reveals that a foliar application of 0.05% boric acid concentration, applied twice post-emergence, maximizes seed yield, while higher concentrations are detrimental. The research thus emphasizes the necessity of striking a balance in boron application to avoid either deficiency or toxicity, offering insights into appropriate boron dosage and application method for effective common bean cultivation. By contributing to a broader understanding of boron's role in common bean production and offering directions for optimized fertilization practices, this study helps improve both crop yield and quality. However, it also signals the need for further exploration of the long-term effects of boron application and its interaction with other nutrients under different environmental conditions.

Effect of Eco-Friendly Application of Bee Honey Solution on Yield, Physio-Chemical, Antioxidants, and Enzyme Gene Expressions in Excessive Nitrogen-Stressed Common Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) Plants.

Excessive use of nitrogen (N) pollutes the environment and causes greenhouse gas emissions; however, the application of eco-friendly plant biostimulators (BSs) can overcome these issues. Therefore, this paper aimed to explore the role of diluted bee honey solution (DHS) in attenuating the adverse impacts of N toxicity on Phaseolus vulgaris growth, yield quality, physio-chemical properties, and defense systems. For this purpose, the soil was fertilized with 100, 125, and 150% of the recommended N dose (RND), and the plants were sprayed with 1.5% DHS. Trials were arranged in a two-factor split-plot design (N levels occupied main plots × DH- occupied subplots). Excess N (150% RND) caused a significant decline in plant growth, yield quality, photosynthesis, and antioxidants, while significantly increasing oxidants and oxidative damage [hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), superoxide (O2•-), nitrate, electrolyte leakage (EL), and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels]. However, DHS significantly improved antioxidant activities (glutathione and nitrate reductases, catalase, ascorbate peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, proline, ascorbate, α-tocopherol, and glutathione) and osmoregulatory levels (soluble protein, glycine betaine, and soluble sugars). Enzyme gene expressions showed the same trend as enzyme activities. Additionally, H2O2, O2•-, EL, MDA, and nitrate levels were significantly declined, reflecting enhanced growth, yield, fruit quality, and photosynthetic efficiency. The results demonstrate that DHS can be used as an eco-friendly approach to overcome the harmful impacts of N toxicity on P. vulgaris plants.

Increased hormetic dose of glyphosate causes oxidative stress and reduces yield in common bean

Glyphosate can alter several physiological and biochemical processes and even plant nutrient absorption. This study aimed to verify whether biochemical and non-biochemical variables of the antioxidant complex are affected by low doses, considered hormetic, of glyphosate herbicide. Two experiments were conducted in the field, one in the winter and the other in the wet season, with the early cycle common bean cultivar IAC Imperador. The experimental design was in a randomized block, consisting of applying low doses of glyphosate (0.0, 1.8, 7.2, 12, 36, 54, and 108 g a.e. ha–1) in the phenological stage V4, with four replicates. Environmental conditions, such as air temperature, interfered in the early cycle common bean response to low doses of glyphosate. Lower doses of glyphosate did not alter the gas exchange of bean plants. However, the increase in the glyphosate doses reduced the net CO2 assimilation rate, stomatal conductance, and transpiration rate while increasing the SOD and CAT activity, and MDA and proline content. In the winter season, the dose 7.2 g a.e. ha–1 increased bean productivity, while the dose 36 g a.e. ha–1 induced oxidative stress in bean plants and reduced productivity. In the wet season, doses 36 and 54 g a.e. ha–1 increased bean productivity, and the dose 108 g a.e. ha–1 decreased grain yield. Thus, the more favorable climatic conditions in the wet season enhance plant metabolism, subsequently increasing plant tolerance to higher glyphosate doses.

Tied ridging enhances soil water conservation and productivity of common bean (&lt;i&gt;Phaseolus vulgaris&lt;/i&gt;)

A field trial was conducted to determine the effects of different water conservation practices done in-situ on soil water content, stomatal conductance, and seed yield of common beans at Fumesua experimental station of the CSIR-Crops Research Institute in Ghana during the 2020 and 2021 cropping seasons. The water conservation practices implemented were tied ridges (TR), bunded basins (BB), and flat land (FL). Results showed that the TR treatment increased soil water content by 18 and 16% (0-5 cm), 12 and 13% (5-10 cm), and 18 and 7% (10-30 cm), compared with the FL treatment in 2020 and 2021 respectively. Across years, TR treatment increased stomatal conductance by 39 and 53% at both vegetative and flowering sampling periods. Soil water content and stomatal conductance also increased in the BB treatment compared to the FL treatment, but to a lesser extent than that of TR. The TR treatment improved seed yield by 31 and 42% over that of FL in 2020 and 2021, respectively. At a lesser magnitude, the BB treatment increased seed yield by 17 and 40% compared with the FL treatment during the same period. These results showed a positive relationship (p &lt; 0.05) between the soil water content and common beans seed yield, such that an increase in soil water content determined about 75% of the increase in seed yield. Based on the results of this study, tied ridging could be considered a suitable water conservation strategy for improving common bean yield.

Exploring I, bc-12 and bc-3 Gene Locus in Promising Common Bean Lines

Common beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.), known as the "poor man's meat", is an internationally important legume crop that appeals to farmers as well as consumers. Many biotic stressors such as bean common mosaic virus (BCMV), bean common mosaic necrosis virus (BCMNV) cause significant yield and quality losses in common bean. The most efficient and cost-effective way to lessen of these factors is to develop resistant cultivars. Local genotypes have been cultivated in many areas for years and have varied distinguishing characteristics as a result of spontaneous mutations. Identifying bean germplasm harboring gene sources is critical for developing resistant cultivars against BCMV and BCMNV. For this purpose, a total of 43 promising common bean lines selected from local genotypes cultivated across various regions of Türkiye were subjected to screening using diverse molecular markers (ROC11, SBD-5 and SW-13) to investigate gene sources associated with BCMV and BCMNV. The findings revealed that 21 lines had both I and bc-12 gene locus. In addition, the bc-12+bc-3 gene loci were discovered to be present in the 8 common bean lines. The combination of I+bc-3 resistance genes, which guarantees immune reaction to BCMV and BCMNV, was found in only one line; YLV-32. These gene sources can be evaluated in marker-assisted breeding to develop modern cultivars resistant to BCMV and BCMNV by breeders.