Common Bean Yield Research Articles

Mechanical Chiseling and the Cover Crop Effect on the Common Bean Yield in the Brazilian Cerrado

Core Ideas: (1) Superficial soil compaction in a no-tillage system. (2) Cultivation of cover crops in succession with annual crops. (3) Soil decompression with cultivation of the predecessor soil cover. (4) Unpacking soil with mechanical chiseling. (5) Biological chiseling with the cover crop effect on the common bean yield. Mechanical soil intervention with a chisel in cover crops (CC) is a promising alternative strategy to minimize superficial compaction of soil in a no-tillage system (NTS) of the Brazilian Cerrado. Thus, the objective of the current study was to evaluate the effects of mechanical chiseling associated with successor and predecessor cover crops on agronomic components and the grain yield of the common bean in NTS for two consecutive years. The experiment was designed in randomized blocks in a 5 × 2 factorial scheme with four replications. The treatments consisted of five cover crops (Cajanus cajan, Crotalaria juncea, Urochloa ruziziensis and Pennisetum glaucum and fallow), associated or not with soil mechanical chiseling. The results indicated that cultivation of C. juncea and U. ruziziensis as cover crops increased the initial and the final plant population and the number of pods plant−1 of the common bean. The cultivation of P. glaucum as a predecessor crop with chiseling was observed with greater shoot dry matter and a greater number of grains pod−1 and plant−1 of the common bean while C. cajan and C. juncea have increased leaf N content in the common bean. The predecessor crops of C. juncea and P. glaucum with chiseling increased the grain yield of the “winter” common bean in succession. Therefore, cultivation of C. juncea and P. glaucum as predecessor crops along with chiseling are considered a sustainable strategy for improving the growth and the yield of successive crops in a no-tillage system of the Brazilian Cerrado.

The population density of Digitaria insularis influences Phaseolus vulgaris agronomic traits

The common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) is an important species for human nutrition in Brazil and its cultivation has been hampered in recent years by the interference of sourgrass [Digitaria insularis (L.) Mez ex Ekman] populations. However, just a few studies evaluated sourgrass interaction with common beans. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the influence of sourgrass density on common bean agronomic characteristics. Seven sourgrass densities, equivalent to populations from 0 to 12 plants m-², were established in a common bean crop field with a randomized block design and four replicates. The increase in sourgrass density boosted weed dry matter and the common bean plant’s height and leaf area index. Contrarily, the same increase in weed density reduced the crop chlorophyll content, stem diameter, shoot, root and total dry mass, and grain yield. The variables’ behavior testifies to the high sensitivity of the common bean to sourgrass interference reported by farmers. Variables such as common bean chlorophyll, stem diameter, and the shoot and root dry mass presented a strong negative correlation to the reduction in crop grain yield. The decrease in yield reached 69% with 12 sourgrass plants m-2 when compared to control. The density of 3.7 weed plants m-2 reduced the maximum common bean grain yield by half. Such significant results suggest the need for developing efficient sourgrass management methods and strategies to avoid common bean yield loss.

Decomposition Dynamics of Leaf Litter Mixtures Enriched with NPS Fertilizer and Resultant Effects on Common Bean Productivity in Nutrient Depleted Soil

Organic materials have a nonreplaceable role to improve soil quality and productivity. Yet, processes related to decomposition and nutrient supply capacity are restricted under nutrient-depleted soils. Thus, a field experiment was conducted to evaluate the decomposition rate of leaf litter mixtures treated with mineral nitrogen (N), phosphorous (P), and sulfur (S) fertilizer in the form of NPS (19N38P2O57S), and their effects on agronomic performance of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.). The mixtures of croton (Croton macrostachyus) and erythrina (Erythrina brucei) leaf litters (LLs) were placed at 20 cm depth in a litterbag at a rate equivalent to 2.5 and 5 t/ha, and treated with four NPS rates (0, 50, 100, and 150 kg/ha). The leaf litters have low carbon (C) to N ratio. The experiments (litterbag and crop response) were laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replications. The decomposition pattern was monitored at a two week interval (15, 30, 45, and 56 days after application) and assessed for daily decomposition rate (k), weight loss, and time required to decompose half of the residue (t50). For the crop response experiment, selected growth and yield component parameters, and grain yield data were recorded. The results indicated that NPS fertilizer and the amount of LL were significantly ( p < 0.01 ) influenced the k values and weight loss. The k at 14 days varied from 4.47% day−1 (150 NPS kg/ha × 2.5 t LL/ha) and 2.75% day−1 (sole 2.5 t/ha LL) in which application of mineral NPS fertilizer enhanced k by 62.5%. The k values, averaged over 56 days, revealed 2.68% day−1 (150 kg NPS/ha × 2.5 t LL/ha), and 1.78% day−1 in the unfertilized 2.5 LL. The decay rate was faster within 14 days and declined afterward. Over 56 days, 60.4% and 46.6% of the original mass remained in litters without NPS fertilizer, and 150 NPS kg/ha x 2.5 t LL/ha, respectively. The residue weight loss also significantly decreased with time (r2 > 0.98). Half-lifetime was significantly ( p < 0.001 ) decreased with the increasing rate of NPS application (r = −0.86). The t50 values, averaged over 56 days, were between 38.9 days (nontreated LL) and 27.8 days (150 kg NPS/ha), respectively. The result regarding agronomic performance indicated that the application of NPS fertilizer on the leaf litters significantly ( p < 0.01 ) increased the growth, yield component, and grain yield of common bean. For instance, 150 kg NPS/ha on 2.5 t/ha LL has resulted in a 79% grain yield advantage over LL without NPS. Grain yield also showed significant relationship ( p < 0.01 ) with k (r = 0.67), mass loss (r = −0.67), and t50 (r = −0.66). The finding suggests that for plant residues with a narrow C/N ratio in nutrient-depleted soils, the addition of mineral NPS fertilizer is advantageous for increased decomposition and yield of legume crops.

Glyphosate at low doses changes the physiology and increases the productivity of common bean as affected by sowing seasons

Glyphosate applied at low doses can stimulate photosynthesis and yield. The objective of this study was to evaluate the application of low doses of glyphosate and sowing seasons in physiological characteristics and grain yield of common bean of early cycle. Two experiments were conducted in the field, the first in winter season and the second in wet season. The experimental design was a randomized complete block design, consisting of five and seven low doses of glyphosate and one period of application, with four replications. Glyphosate low dose of 108.0 g a.e. ha−1 impaired net CO2 assimilation rate, stomatal conductance, transpiration rate, instantaneous carboxylation efficiency, number of pods per plant, number of grains per plant and number of grains per pod. Glyphosate dose of 7.2 g a.e. ha−1 provided a 23% increase in grain yield in winter season, and the dose of 36.0 g a.e. ha−1 provided a 109% increase in grain yield in wet season. To our knowledge, this is the first report on effect of glyphosate at low doses and sowing season to obtain yield increases in common bean of early cycle.

Response of common bean to Rhizobium reinoculation in topdressing

ABSTRACT The response capacity of the bean to fix atmospheric nitrogen is questionable, mainly due to its inability to supply all the nitrogen in the flowering and grain filling phases when the crop needs it most. Thus, a new application of inoculant can keep the population of rhizobia in the soil at adequate levels, meeting all the nitrogen demands of the plant. This study aimed to investigate the nodulation capacity and the production of beans submitted to doses and reinoculation of Rhizobium in topdressing under field conditions in two growth stages. For this, an experiment was conducted using a randomized block design with four replicates in a 4 × 2 + 2 factorial scheme. The treatments consisted of the application of four doses of liquid inoculant containing Rhizobium tropici (SEMIA 4088), in the concentration 2 × 109 CFU g-1, in topdressing (0, 100, 200 and 400 mL ha-1), in two development stages (V4 and R5) of plants, and two additional treatments (inoculation via seed at a dose of 100 g of the product per 50 kg of seeds and mineral nitrogen fertilization at a dose of 16 kg ha-1 applied at sowing and 60 kg ha-1 in topdressing, divided into two stages, with half being applied at the stage V3 and the other half in V4 stage).The inoculant application increased the nodulation rates of bean cultivar BRS Cometa and the dry biomass produced by plants, using doses of 232 and 221 mL ha-1, respectively. The dose of 257mL ha-1 of the liquid inoculant applied in topdressing at the V4 stage, and the inoculation via seed provide greater common bean yield without supplementing mineral nitrogen.

Effect of Drought and Low P on Yield and Nutritional Content in Common Bean

Common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) production in the tropics typically occurs in rainfed systems on marginal lands where yields are low, primarily as a consequence of drought and low phosphorus (P) availability in soil. This study aimed to investigate the physiological and chemical responses of 12 bush bean genotypes for adaptation to individual and combined stress factors of drought and low P availability. Water stress and P deficiency, both individually and combined, decreased seed weight and aboveground biomass by ∼80%. Water deficit and P deficiency decreased photosynthesis and stomatal conductance during plant development. Maximum rates of carboxylation, electron transport, and triose phosphate utilization were superior for two common bean genotypes (SEF60 and NCB226) that are better adapted to combined stress conditions of water deficit and low P compared to the commercial check (DOR390). In response to water deficit treatment, carbon isotope fractionation in the leaf tissue decreased at all developmental stages. Within the soluble leaf fraction, combined water deficit and low P, led to significant changes in the concentration of key nutrients and amino acids, whereas no impact was detected in the seed. Our results suggest that common bean genotypes have a degree of resilience in yield development, expressed in traits such as pod harvest index, and conservation of nutritional content in the seed. Further exploration of the chemical and physiological traits identified here will enhance the resilience of common bean production systems in the tropics.

Effects of Plant Population Density on the Growth, Survival Rate and Yield of Common Beans (Phaseolus spp.) Cultivated under Tropical Climate

Background: Common beans form a key dietary protein in many developing countries, including the Pacific Island countries. It is an important source of protein for vegetarians or those who cannot afford meat. However, being such an important crop, its yield is affected for several reasons, leading to a major upset for people dependent on it. One of the major issues in tropical climatic regions such as Fiji is the lack of information on the correct spacing to achieve the accepted plant population to increase the yield per given area. Therefore, the current research was carried out to investigate the suitable plant-to-plant spacing in butter and french beans for correct plant population density for maximum yield. Methods: Butter and french beans were selected as a research crop for this experiment with two trials and three replications. Data on plant height, stem girth, leaf chlorophyll content, plant survival rate, number of pods, pod length and pod weight were taken after thirty days of sowing and continued at an interval of ten days until sixty days after sowing. Result: The experiment results indicate that neither the lower plant-plant spacing nor, the higher plant-to-plant spacing significantly affected the growth and yield of both butter and french bean. However, the plant survival rate under higher plant-to-plant spacing (50´25 cm) was higher; therefore, the higher plant-to-plant spacing is recommended for growing butter and french beans under the tropical climate as it allows the farmers to save around 38% of the seeds while getting similar plant growth and yield.

Evaluation of Combined Weed Control Practices on Weed Dynamics, Yield and Economic Return in Common Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) at Wolaita Sodo, Southern Ethiopia

The field experiment was conducted in Wolaita Zone, Southern Ethiopia, to evaluate different weed management practices on weed dynamics, yield and economic return in common bean in 2014. The experiment comprised of fifteen treatments which included two herbicides (s-metolachlor and pendimethalin) applied as pre-emergence alone and in different combinations, hand weeding and hoeing, weedy check all with and without mulching and weed free check laid out in randomized block design with three replications. The application of pendimethalin 1.0 kg ha -1 + mulching at 2 weeks after crop emergence (WAE) resulted in significant decrease in total weed density over weedy. Weed dry weight varied in response to weed significantly management practices at 2 WAE. However, at 12 WAE this has no significant difference with pendimethalin 1.0 kg ha -1 + hand weeding and hoeing 5 WAE, s-metolachlor 0.75 kg ha -1 + pendimethalin 0.75 kg ha -1 + mulching and hand weeding and hoeing at 2 and 5 WAE. At 12 WAE, the highest weed control efficiency (99.8%) was obtained with hand weeding and hoeing at 2 and 5 WAE which is statistically at parity with pendimethalin 1.00 kg/ha+ hand weeding and hoeing 5 WAE (99.4%. Weed infestation throughout the growing period suppressed the plant height by about 29.6 to 95.3% compared to other treatments. The highest number of pods per plant was recorded under complete weed free and it was statistically in parity with pendimethalin at 1.0 kg ha -1 + hand weeding and hoeing 5 WAE. Weedy check resulted in significant decrease in number of pods per plant which varied between 28.6 and 54.4% over other treatments. The highest number of seeds/pod was also obtained with complete weed free plots but in addition to pendimethalin at 1.0 kg ha -1 + hand weeding and hoeing 5 WAE, Weight of hundred seeds was maximum with complete weed free which was statistically in parity with the application of pendimethalin at 1.0 kg ha-1 + hand weeding and hoeing at 5 WAE and two hand weeding and hoeing 2 and 5 weeks after crop emergence (WAE) treatments. Highest grain yield (1982 kg ha -1 ) and net returns (ETB 17362 ha -1 ) was obtained with the application of pendimethalin 1.0 kg ha -1 + hand weeding and hoeing 5 weeks after crop emergence. Generally, it could be concluded that pendimethalin 1.0 kg ha-1 combined with one hand weeding and hoeing at 5 WAE was the most appropriate method for effective weed management and profitable production of common bean. Keywords: Herbicides combination, mulch, pendimethalin, pre-emergence, s-metolachlor, yield, economic feasibility DOI: 10.7176/JBAH/12-6-01 Publication date: March 31 st 2022

AGRONOMIC PERFORMANCE OF IRRIGATED CROP ROTATIONS UNDER CONVENTIONAL AND NO-TILLAGE SYSTEMS IN THE SEMIARID REGION OF MINAS GERAIS, BRAZIL

ABSTRACT The objective of this work was to evaluate the agronomic performance and water use efficiency of crop rotations under conventional system (CTS) and no-tillage system (NTS) through two experiments conducted in the Semiarid region of the northern state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. Experiment 1 consisted of a grain corn-common bean rotation, and experiment 2 consisted of a sorghum-sweet corn rotation. The treatments, in both experiments, consisted of two tillage systems (CTS and NTS) arranged in strip-plots, in two crop years, with ten replications. Yield and production components of all crops and water use efficiency (WUE) of crops grown in the autumn-winter seasons were evaluated within each crop rotation. The data obtained were subjected to analysis of variance and, when significant, the means were subjected to the F test at 5% significance level. The results obtained showed that the NTS increases corn yield in 21.45% in the grain corn-common bean rotation; however, the common bean yield present no difference between tillage systems. NTS increases the sorghum fresh and dry matter yields in 39.65% and 84.26%, respectively, in the sorghum- sweet corn rotation, and the sweet corn total and commercial ear yield in 11.99% and 21.80%, respectively. The NTS increases the WUE of crops grown in the autumn-winter season, in both crop rotations.

Evaluation of different blended fertilizer types and rates for better yield of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) at Mirab Abaya, Southern Ethiopia

In Ethiopia, the common bean has been cultivated in different parts of the country. However, average national and regional yield is low due to various biotic and abiotic stresses like diseases, insect pests, drought, and nutritional deficiencies. Hence, this experiment was conducted in 2018 and 2019 cropping season to determine the optimum rates and types of blended fertilizer for maximum yield of common bean in Mirab Abaya woreda, Southern Ethiopia. The experiment was comprised of eight treatments; control, 100 kg NPS +10 kg urea (23 , 36, 7), 142 kg NPS + 42 kg urea (46 , 54 ,10), 189 kg NPS + 72 kg urea (69 , 72 ,13) , 100 kg NPSB + 11 kg urea ( 23, 36 , 6.7, 0.71), 150 kg NPSB + 42 kg urea, 200 kg NPSB + 72 kg urea (69, 72, 13 1.4 ) and 150 kg NPSB + 141 kg urea (92, 54, 10, 1.07) ha-1 blended fertilizers; and was laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Data on growth and yield related parameters were collected and analyzed using SAS software. The significant effect of blended fertilizers was observed on plant height, branches number per plant and grain yield and non-significant on pods number per plant and seeds number per pod of common bean. The highest grain yield (3858 kg) was obtained with 100 kg NPS + 10 kg ha-1 urea application, while the lowest (3025 kg) ha-1 was obtained from control. The highest net return of 33072 Eth-birr ha-1 with marginal rate of return of 354% and 26524 Eth-birr ha-1 with marginal rate of return of 1481% were obtained from the application of 100 kg ha-1 of NPS blended fertilizer with 10 kg urea ha-1 and 200 kg ha-1 of NPSB blended fertilizer combined with 72 kg urea ha-1 respectively. Therefore, based on the yield response and economic indicators, it is recommended to apply 100 kg ha-1 of NPS blended fertilizer along with 10 kg urea ha-1 for common bean at Mirab Abaya, Southern Ethiopia and areas with the same soil conditions and agro ecology.

Root traits for low input agroecosystems in Africa: Lessons from three case studies.

In many regions across Africa, agriculture is largely based on low-input and small-holder farming systems that use little inorganic fertilisers and have limited access to irrigation and mechanisation. Improving agricultural practices and developing new cultivars adapted to these environments, where production already suffers from climate change, is a major priority for food security. Here, we illustrate how breeding for specific root traits could improve crop resilience in Africa using three case studies covering very contrasting low-input agroecosystems. We first review how greater basal root whorl number and longer and denser root hairs increased P acquisition efficiency and yield in common bean in South East Africa. We then discuss how water-saving strategies, root hair density and deep root growth could be targeted to improve sorghum and pearl millet yield in West Africa. Finally, we evaluate how breeding for denser root systems in the topsoil and interactions with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi could be mobilised to optimise water-saving alternate wetting and drying practices in West African rice agroecosystems. We conclude with a discussion on how to evaluate the utility of root traits and how to make root trait selection feasible for breeders so that improved varieties can be made available to farmers through participatory approaches.

Agronomic Practices to Increase the Yield and Quality of Common Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.): A Systematic Review

Common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) is the most important legume for human consumption worldwide and an important source of vegetable protein, minerals, antioxidants, and bioactive compounds. The N2-fixation capacity of this crop reduces its demand for synthetic N fertilizer application to increase yield and quality. Fertilization, yield, and quality of common bean may be optimised by several other agronomic practices such as irrigation, rhizobia application, sowing density, etc. Taking this into consideration, a systematic review integrated with a bibliometric analysis of several agronomic practices that increase common bean yield and quality was conducted, based on the literature published during 1971–2021. A total of 250 publications were found dealing with breeding (n = 61), sowing density and season (n = 14), irrigation (n = 36), fertilization (n = 27), intercropping (n = 12), soilless culture (n = 5), tillage (n = 7), rhizobia application (n = 36), biostimulant/biofertilizer application (n = 21), disease management (n = 15), pest management (n = 2) and weed management (n = 14). The leading research production sites were Asia and South America, whereas from the Australian continent, only four papers were identified as relevant. The keyword co-occurrence network analyses revealed that the main topics addressed in relation to common bean yield in the scientific literature related to that of “pod”, “grain”, “growth”, “cultivar” and “genotype”, followed by “soil”, “nitrogen”, “inoculation”, “rhizobia”, “environment”, and “irrigation”. Limited international collaboration among scientists was found, and most reported research was from Brazil. Moreover, there is a complete lack in interdisciplinary interactions. Breeding for increased yield and selection of genotypes adapted to semi-arid environmental conditions combined with the suitable sowing densities are important agronomic practices affecting productivity of common bean. Application of fertilizers and irrigation practices adjusted to the needs of the plants according to the developmental stage and selection of the appropriate tillage system are also of high importance to increase common bean yield and yield qualities. Reducing N-fertilization via improved N-fixation through rhizobia inoculation and/or biostimulants application appeared as a main consideration to optimise crop performance and sustainable management of this crop. Disease and weed management practices appear neglected areas of research attention, including integrated pest management.

English

Most of the soils are N and P-deficient and require high applications of chemical fertilizers to ensure optimal crop production. However, this practice poses in most cases serious environmental issues. In recent years, inoculation with beneficial bacteria has emerged as a safe and sustainable alternative to chemical fertilizers. In this context, we investigated the effect of two symbiotic Agrobacterium radiobacter strains (LMR670 and LMR676) and two plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria Bacillus sp. (M131) and Enterobacter sp. (P1S6), as single or combined inoculants, on common bean growth and yield under N and P-deficient conditions. In a first trial, Agrobacterium strains’ symbiotic efficiency with common bean was evaluated in a low phosphorus and nitrogen soil under greenhouse conditions. Strain LMR670 recorded the highest nodules number (53 nodules per plant) and shoot dry weight (0.553 g plant-1). This strain was then used in combination with the PGP rhizobacteria in a common bean co-inoculation assay under sufficient and deficient P levels (80 kg ha-1of P and No P added). Single inoculation with LMR670 recorded the highest shoot dry weight (82% increase compared to non-fertilized control) compared to combined inoculants (46-47% increase). To corroborate the obtained results, a field experiment was conducted using the same treatments. LMR670 as a single inoculant or mixed with M131 was consistently effective leading to common bean yields comparable to N and P fertilized plants (13.07 t ha-1 and 12.35 t ha-1 respectively). In addition, single inoculation with the multi-PGP strain M131 showed positive effects on all common bean growth parameters and yield value (14 t ha-1); exceeding even N and P fertilized control plants. These results suggest that the strains LMR670 and M131 can be used, in a single or combined inoculation, as effective biological fertilizers for common bean cultivation to replace phosphorus and nitrogen fertilizers. Globally our results highlight the potential of native phytobeneficial strains for successful nodulation, growth and yield of common bean under N and P-deficient conditions.

Screening Common Bean Varieties Compatibility to Intercropping with Maize at Jejebicho Research Station in Sankura Wereda Silte Zone of Southern Ethiopia

Maize is among the most important cereal crops in Ethiopia. Intercropping results in high overall system productivity on a given piece of land due to efficient use of the available plant growth resources. Field experiment was conducted to were to evaluate and select the cropping systems and best performing common bean varieties in intercropping with maize at jejebicho research station for higher productivity and profitability in southern parts of Ethiopia, under Wondo genet Agricultural Research Center at Sankura wereda, Jejebicho research station in 2019/20 cropping season. Three varieties of common bean (Deme, KAT-B1 and Awash-2) and were intercropped with two maize varieties (Limu and Shone). The three common bean varieties and two maize varieties were included as a sole for comparison. Randomized complete block design in factorial with three replications was used. Aboveground biomass, days to tasseling, hundred kernel weight, grain yield and harvest index of maize were significantly affected by varieties of common bean, cropping system was also significantly affected leaf area, leaf index, days to tasseling, days to physiological maturity and grain yield of maize but their interaction effect were non significantly affected. Days to tasseling of maize were delayed (81.50 days) and hastened (74.23 days) by variety Awash-2 and Deme, respectively as compared to KAT-B1. The wider leaf area (910.20cm²) was measured from intercropped maize than sole and the larger leaf area index (3.79) was also recorded from intercropped maize than sole one. Days to tasseling of maize were delayed (80.80 days) at sole cropped of maize. The longer days to physiological maturity (143.84 days) of maize was taken from sole cropping of maize. The highest grain yield (7.60 ton/ha) of maize was taken from Shone intercropped with Awash-2 as compared to varieties. In cropping system, the maximum grain yield (7.12 ton/ha) of maize was obtained from intercropped of it. Plant height, branch number per plant, number of seed per pod, number of pod per plant, days to physiological maturity, aboveground biomass, hundred kernel weight, grain yield and harvest index of common bean. The longest plant (132.13cm) was measured from Deme intercropped with Limu. The highest (5.17) number of branches was counted at Deme intercropped with Limu. The highest number of pods per plant and number of seed per pod (10.92 and 4.63) was counted at Deme intercropped with Limu and Limu with Awash-2 respectively. The highest grain yield (22.38 ton/ha) was obtained when Shone intercropped with Deme. The highest partial land equivalent ratio (LER) of maize and common bean non significantly affected by varieties of both. Monitory advantage index was also non significantly affected. However, the highest value of monetary advantage index (105,359 ETB ha^-1) was obtained at Shone intercropped with Deme. Therefore, any of the two (Limu or Shone) maize varieties could be recommended for intercropping with Deme of common bean variety.

Evaluation of Common Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) Germplasm for Agro-Morphological and Yield Traits and Resistance to Bean Common Mosaic Virus (BCMV) in Western Himalayan Kashmir

Kashmir Himalayas abounds in bean genetic resources with adaptive capacity and better quality. In the present study 110 common bean germplasm accessions were evaluated between 2019-2021 for yield traits as well as for BCMV resistance. BCMV is the most common and most destructive disease of beans and can cause a yield loss as high as 100%. Substantial variability was recorded in the material as depicted by broad range and high GCV, PCV and heritability and significant mean squares in ANOVA. Five accessions recorded stable resistance to BCMV while as 11 accessions were moderately resistant. Several genotypes were identified as novel sources of traits in respect of plant architecture, pod and seed traits as well as overall yielding ability. Promising genotypes identified for BCMV resistance as well as other traits of economic importance can be used as stable donors for improving common bean yield and BCMV resistance for sustainable bean farming in the region.

The Common bean (Phaselous vulgaris L.) Response to Different Levels of Organic and Inorganic Fertilizers

The high cost and excess use of inorganic fertilizers are the important concerns for high and beneficial yield of common beans and at the same time the integrated crop management practices are the universal demands for agriculture and environment. Therefore, the research was carried out from June to Sept of 2018 in the botanical garden of Agriculture Faculty, Kabul University, Afghanistan to evaluate the influence of isolate and combine application of diammonium phosphate (DAP) and PM (PM) with different concentrations on the growth, yield and yield attributes of common bean. According to the results achieved, it was found that combination of 80 kg DAP ha-1 + 5ton PM ha-1 improved the performance of common bean, with respect to 2272.33 kg grain yield( GY) ha-1 over the isolate used of DAP and PM (10 ton PM ha-1, 130 kg DAP ha-1 and control, respectively). In addition, the application of 5 ton PM + 80 kg DAP ha-1 showed positive effects on growth and yield attributes while no significant effects were observed on control (without any fertilizer application) for any trait of common bean. There were also strong positive correlations within the growth and yield attributes which indicate the importance for common bean GY. The present research showed that integrated application of DAP + PM is a good source of P and other primary elements for the growth and yield performance of common beans.

Co-inoculation of Rhizobium and Bradyrhizobium promotes growth and yield of common beans

Some strains of Bradyrhizobium benefit the biological N2 fixation (BNF) and growth of common beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) when co-inoculated with Rhizobium tropici under greenhouse conditions. Here, we evaluated the benefit of Bradyrhizobium diazoefficiens strain CPAC 7 co-inoculated with Rhizobium tropici strain CIAT 899 on common bean in the field. Three Bradyrhizobium strains were co-inoculated with R. tropici CIAT 899 in one experiment in the greenhouse and two in the field. The greenhouse experiment combined each of three Bradyrhizobium strains (29w, USDA 110, and CPAC 7) in co-inoculation with CIAT 899 in Leonard jars. Then, two of these strains, 29w and CPAC 7, were co-inoculated with Rhizobium on-seeds (1.2 × 106 CFU seed−1) or both on-seed and in-furrow (1.08 × 108 CFU m−1) in a field experiment. Finally, a second field experiment evaluated strain CPAC 7 at doses ranging from 1.5 × 105 to 1.2 × 106 CFU seed−1. Co-inoculation with strain CPAC 7 improved shoot biomass accumulation in Leonard jars. In the field, co-inoculation of CPAC 7 with CIAT 899 on-seed enhanced grain yield by 20% compared with inoculation of CIAT 899 only (p < 0.10). The percentage of N derived from the air (%Ndfa) was between 50 and 60%, with only a tendency towards co-inoculation benefit. Given that the %Ndfa of the inoculated plants was not statistically different between treatments, the increased grain yield was not entirely due to BNF but also due to an increase of soil N uptake. In the second field trial, larger doses of inoculum increased nodulation and root biomass, but significant differences in grain yield were not observed. Our results show that the Rhizobium-Bradyrhizobium co-inoculation can enhance growth and grain yield of common beans and indicate that a plant growth-promoting mechanism besides BNF may be involved in the beneficial co-inoculation effect. However, further adjustments are needed to ensure a better response under field conditions.

COMMON BEAN YIELD AS AFFECTED BY IN FURROW FILLER LIMING AND NITROGEN TOPDRESSING1

ABSTRACT The use of filler liming in the sowing furrow can improve the chemical characteristics of the soil and, together with nitrogen fertilization, increase common bean yield. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of filler liming of the sowing furrow along with nitrogen topdressing fertilization on the yield of common bean, cultivar Pérola, irrigated by central pivot, in the Cerrado Region. The field experiments were conducted for three consecutive cropping years, in a randomized block design with four replications, in a 2x4 factorial scheme, consisting of two doses of nitrogen topdressing fertilization (zero and 60 kg ha-1 of N) and four doses of filler liming application in the sowing furrow (0, 200, 400 and 600 kg ha-1 of CaCO3). The plant density (PD), number of pods (NP), number of grains (NG), mass of 100 grains (M100) and, grain yield (GY) were evaluated. The use of 60 kg ha-1 of N provided greater M100 and GY. The increase of the filler liming doses in the sowing furrow led to a reduction of the NP. The filler liming dose of 200 kg ha-1 provided higher values of NG and M100, and when combined with the nitrogen topdressing fertilization, improved the GY of the common bean.

In silico assessment of sowing dates and nitrogen management in common bean crops

The application of nitrogen soil fertilization is one of the factors that leads to high yields in common bean crops. Therefore, the aim of this work is to evaluate in silico the effects of nitrogen rates and topdressing dates on common bean yield in three different sowing dates and three growing seasons in Goiás State, Brazil. The CSM-CROPGRO-DRYBEAN crop model was parameterized, validated, and applied to simulate common bean yields in wet (Nov to Dec), dry (Jan to Feb), and winter (May to Jun) seasons for nitrogen rates applied at sowing and as topdressing. An economic analysis was carried out to assess the viability of each scenario. Nitrogen rate was the most important factor in the wet season in obtaining high yields. Yields increased as nitrogen rates increased. In the dry season, sowing date was the most important factor in obtaining the highest yields. However, this season presented the lowest increase in yield per kg of nitrogen, whereas the winter season presented the highest increase. In the winter season, nitrogen rate was also the most important factor in obtaining high yields, and sowing date and topdressing had a low effect on yield. The highest crop economic return was obtained with N rates (sowing/topdressing) of 60/180 kg ha−1 and 40/120 kg ha−1 for the wet and winter seasons, respectively. The bean price was fixed at US$ 0.85 kg1. Therefore, the best management strategy is an early sowing date for the dry season, high nitrogen rates and an early sowing date for the wet season, and high nitrogen rates for the winter season.

Irrigation blades and nitrogen doses in bean cultivation

Irrigation makes it possible to increase productivity in bean crops, but if mishandled, it can increase production costs and promote the leaching of nutrients, especially nitrogen, a nutrient that is fundamental for the development of the crop. Given the above, the objective of this study was to evaluate the yield of common beans subjected to different doses of nitrogen and water depths in the region of Uberaba – MG, Brazil. The experiment was conducted at IFTM – Campus Uberaba, in randomized blocks, consisting of four levels of irrigation (deficits of 15 %, 30 %, and 45 % and a factor without water deficit) and four doses of nitrogen (50 kg ha-1, 100 kg ha-1, 150 kg ha-1, and 200 kg ha-1) applied in stage V4 of beans. The cultivar used was BRSMG Majestoso. There was no interaction between irrigation levels and nitrogen doses for the variables studied. Nitrogen doses influenced linearly only leaf nitrogen content. The water deficit of 9.72 % was favorable to achieve maximum grain yields and favors the number of pods per plant. The plant mass in R6, a mass of 100 grains, hydration, and thermal sum declined linearly with increased water deficit.