Green Bean Yield Research Articles

Arsenic Distribution in Green Bean Yield Irrigated by Waste Water

The objective of the study is to investigate the effect of different arsenic concentrations on some physiological parameters of bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) seedlings, grown in sand with nutrient solution in a climatic box was treated with 0, 5, 10, 15 and 20 ppm Arsenic in the form sodium arsenate Na3AsO4 (pH 5.5). After 3 months of As treatment, the various growth parameters as well as changes in leaf gas-exchange, water potential, chlorophyll and protein contents, peroxidase activity and lipid peroxidation in roots was recorded. Results clearly show that with increase in arsenic concentration growth activities of bean plant suppress.

Open-cycle drip vs closed-cycle subirrigation: Effects on growth and yield of greenhouse soilless green bean

Closed-cycle management of soilless cultivation is one of the promising strategies to prevent pollution, while increasing the efficiency of water and fertilizer use. However, in order to encourage the adoption of closed-cycle cultivation even in countries characterized by a low-tech greenhouse industry, effective easy-management systems need to be developed.A greenhouse experiment was carried out to determine the influence of two irrigation methods (drip irrigation open-cycle and subirrigation closed-cycle) and two nutrient solution (NS) concentrations (100 and 80% of the macro-element concentration normally used for soilless cultivation) on substrate electrical conductivity (EC), plant growth, gas exchange, yield, fruit quality, and water-use efficiency of green bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L., cv. Saporro).Subirrigated plants showed higher substrate EC and higher Na+ and Cl− concentrations, especially in the upper layer of the growing medium, while moisture distribution throughout the substrate profile showed an opposite trend and was more uniform in drip irrigation. The total fresh and dry biomass of the drip-irrigated plants were higher than in those grown in subirrigation, while whole plant dry matter percentage was lower. Differences in terms of plant height, number of leaves, leaf area, root growth, chlorophyll content, net photosynthesis, stomatal conductance and transpiration rate were recorded, with higher values in drip-irrigated plants. With closed-cycle subirrigation, green bean total and marketable yield (598 and 574gplant−1, respectively) were, on average, 33% lower than for drip irrigation, but fruit quality was higher in terms of “extra class” number of pods (93.6 vs 88.3%) and dry matter percentages. On average, both total and marketable yield were 9% higher with NS 80%, with a 13% higher water consumption, while slight or no effects were observed on net photosynthesis, stomatal conductance and shoot growth. The highest WUE (11.2kgm−3) was obtained with subirrigation, where recirculating NS was never discharged, compared to drip irrigation (8.5kgm−3). The green bean response to closed-cycle subirrigation showed a general decrease in productive performance. Detrimental effects were reduced by reducing the NS concentration. Lower yield could be compensated by savings of water and fertilizers and lower environmental impact.

Generation and evaluation of typical meteorological year datasets for greenhouse and external conditions on the Mediterranean coast.

A typical meteorological year (TMY) represents the typical meteorological conditions over many years but still contains the short term fluctuations which are absent from long-term averaged data. Meteorological data were measured at the Experimental Station of Cajamar 'Las Palmerillas' (Cajamar Foundation) in Almeria, Spain, over 19 years at the meteorological station and in a reference greenhouse which is typical of those used in the region. The two sets of measurements were subjected to quality control analysis and then used to create TMY datasets using three different methodologies proposed in the literature. Three TMY datasets were generated for the external conditions and two for the greenhouse. They were assessed by using each as input to seven horticultural models and comparing the model results with those obtained by experiment in practical trials. In addition, the models were used with the meteorological data recorded during the trials. A scoring system was used to identify the best performing TMY in each application and then rank them in overall performance. The best methodology was that of Argiriou for both greenhouse and external conditions. The average relative errors between the seasonal values estimated using the 19-year dataset and those using the Argiriou greenhouse TMY were 2.2 % (reference evapotranspiration), -0.45 % (pepper crop transpiration), 3.4 % (pepper crop nitrogen uptake) and 0.8 % (green bean yield). The values obtained using the Argiriou external TMY were 1.8 % (greenhouse reference evapotranspiration), 0.6 % (external reference evapotranspiration), 4.7 % (greenhouse heat requirement) and 0.9 % (loquat harvest date). Using the models with the 19 individual years in the historical dataset showed that the year to year weather variability gave results which differed from the average values by ± 15 %. By comparison with results from other greenhouses it was shown that the greenhouse TMY is applicable to greenhouses which have a solar radiation transmission of approximately 65 % and rely on manual control of ventilation which constitute the majority in the south-east of Spain and in most Mediterranean greenhouse areas.

INFLUENCE OF USING SOME SAFETY MATERIALS ON WATER REQUIREMENT AND WATER USE EFFICIENCY OF SNAP BEAN PLANT

Two field experiments were conducted during the two successive seasons of 2011/2012 at the Experimental Farm, Kaha station, Qulubia Governorate to study the effect of using four levels of water regime ,i.e. 60%, 80%, 100 and 120% from class A pan evaporation and five safety materials, i.e. water (as control),amino-z, lithovit (a natural intensified CO2 foliar fertilizer ) as foliar spray on snap bean plants as well as the biofertilize mycorrhizal as a seed treatment before sowing and sap material as a absorbent polymer to increase with holding water capacity before sowing and the effect of that on growth, green snap bean yield Poulista cv ., physical and chemical characters as well as water use efficiency. The results indicated that, mycorrhizal seed treatment, lithovit foliar spray and soil treatment with sap material gave the highest values of green pod characters as well as the vegetative growth, in addition all the safety material used led to significant increment on pod yield and the favorable treatments were obtained by using sap material and foliar spray with amino -z. Concerning to using safety materials with water regime levels, it was found that, spraying snap bean plants with amino- z and irrigation with 120% levels from class A pan evaporation was the superior treatment on green pod yield followed by soil treatment with sap material with 60% of water level. Regarding to the mean of green pod weight, the results showed that treating seed with mycorrhizal and 120% level of water regime gave the highest values during the two seasons, then the treatment of foliar spray with lithovite with 80% level of water regime and the treatment by sap soil treatments with supplied by 60% of water irrigation. Concerning to water use efficiency, the data showed that supplied the plants with the highest amount of water 120% and 100% from water irrigation decreased the values of water use efficiency, on the contrary , it can obtained the highest values of water use efficiency from water supplied with 60% then 80% calculated by class A pan evaporation method. Regarding to the effect of safety material on water use efficiency, it was found that, sap treatment or foliar spray with amino-z then, mycorrhizal treatments gave the highest value of water use efficiency. Generally, it can recommend by using sap material of soil addition before sowing and foliar spray by amino- z followed by treating the seeds with mycorrhizal with irrigation level 60% or 80%to obtained the favorable green pod yield and the favorable water use efficiency.

Effect of Fertilizer Phosphorus Rate on Tomato and Green Bean Yield and Growth in High pH Sandy Soils of South Florida

This 4-page fact sheet addresses the effect of phosphorus rate on tomato and green bean yield and growth in high pH soils and discusses their relationship to both nutrition and fertilizer management. Written by Kelly T. Morgan and Kamal Mahmoud, and published by the UF Department of Soil and Water Science, December 2013.

Sistemas de manejo en café (Coffea arabica L.) y su efecto en la fertilidad del suelo y el rendimiento del café oro, Masatepe, Masaya

El objetivo de este estudio fue comparar la influencia de tres sistemas de manejo en café sobre la fertilidad física, química y biológica del suelo y el rendimiento en café oro en el municipio de Masatepe, departamento de Masaya, Nicaragua en el período de julio del 2009 a enero del 2010. El tratamiento orgánico intensivo (OI) estuvo conformado por dos especies leguminosas como sombra, Inga laurina (Sw.) Willd (guaba) y Samanea saman (Jacq.) Merrill (genízaro), más aplicaciones por planta de 2.27 kg de pulpa de café (9 080 kg ha-1) e igual cantidad de gallinaza. El tratamiento orgánico extensivo (OE) involucra 2.27 kg de pulpa de café bajo las mismas especies arbóreas y un tercer tratamiento a plena exposición solar denominado convencional extensivo (CE) con aplicaciones por planta de 17 gramos (68 kg ha-1) de fertilizante 27- 9-18 en junio, 35 gramos (140 kg ha-1) de 12-30-10 en septiembre y 20 gramos (80 kg ha-1) de urea más 5 gramos (20 kg ha-1) de KCl en octubre. Se utilizó un arreglo unifactorial en diseño de bloques completo al azar, evaluándose las variables materia orgánica, nitrógeno total, capacidad de intercambio catiónico, porosidad, retención de humedad, y diversidad de la macrofauna del suelo. Se efectuaron un muestreo de suelo en el mes de julio de 2009 y otro en enero de 2010. Los resultados fueron analizados por diferencias mínimas significativas y en el caso de la macrofauna a través del índice de Shannon-Wiener. Los programas estadísticos utilizados fueron InfoStat profesional y Past versión 1.29, éste último para el análisis de la biodiversidad del suelo. No se encontraron diferencias estadísticas en los componentes de la fertilidad física y química del suelo, pero se observa una tendencia a disminuir en el sistema manejado convencionalmente. La mayor diversidad de macrofauna se presentó en los sistemas manejados orgánicamente. El rendimiento de café oro se comportó de forma variada, siendo mejor estadísticamente el sistema convencional extensivo en el primer ciclo agrícola (2002-2003), con un rendimiento de 305 kg ha-1. Posteriormente en el resto de los ciclos no se presentan diferencias significativas pero se observa un comportamiento alterno de mayor rendimiento entre el sistema orgánico intensivo y el convencional extensivo.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5377/calera.v12i18.1122 Revista Científica Vol. 12. Nº 18, p. 29-36 / junio 2012

Rendimiento, calidad nutrimental y rentabilidad del frijol ejotero de temporal en San Pablo Ixayoc, México

One strategy to increase the yield and nutritional quality in agricultural regions is the search for cultivars with better adaptation to different environmental conditions. The aim of this study was to characterize green beans cultivars based on their phenology, growth, yield, nutritional quality and profitability, in temperate climate and rainfall conditions. Three varieties of determinate growth habit ‘Opus’, ‘Strike’ and ‘Black Valentine’ and ‘Hav-14’ of indeterminate growth were planted on May 7, 2008 in San Pablo Ixayoc Mexico, at a density of 6.25 plants·m-2. We found differences in terms of life cycle from 90-119 days to the last cut, as well as in yield and number of green beans. These differences were related to a greater degree with accumulated rainfall (PP, r = 0.83**), total crop evapotranspiration (ETc, r = 0.71*) and accumulated thermal units (TU, r = 0.65*). The variety ‘Opus’ showed the highest percentage of minerals, phosphorus, ADF, lignin, NDF and protein. The highest net income was for ‘Opus’ and ‘Black Valentine’. However, in a period of five years (half-life of the trellis) ‘Hav-14’ promises more advantage from the economic point of view. These results suggest that ‘Hav-14’, ‘Opus’ and ‘Black Valentine’ would be the most appropriate cultivars for greater production under rainfall conditions in temperate climate in San Pablo Ixayoc. ADDITIONAL KEYWORDS: Phaseolus vulgaris, ‘Opus’, ‘Strike’, ‘Black Valentine’, ‘Hav-14’.

Biomass production and yield of green beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) cv. Strike in response to phosphate fertilization

Biomass production and yield of green beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) cv. Strike in response to phosphate fertilization

Review: Breeding common bean for resistance to insect pests and nematodes

Singh, S. P. and Schwartz, H. F. 2011. Review: Breeding common bean for resistance to insect pests and nematodes. Can. J. Plant Sci. 91: 239-250. Various insect pests and nematodes cause severe losses (35-100%) globally to the yield and quality of dry and green common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.). The objectives of this review are to briefly describe major insect pests and nematodes in the Americas, breeding strategies and methods used, and research progress achieved. We also describe integrated genetic improvement for resistance to multiple insect pests and nematodes and cultivar development. Breeding for resistance to one insect pest or nematode at a time has been practiced in most instances. Backcross, pedigree, and bulk-pedigree breeding methods have been used. Considerable progress has been made in genetics and germplasm enhancement for resistance to bean pod weevil (Apion godmani Wagner), tropical bruchid (Zabrotes subfasciatus Boheman), leafhoppers (Empoasca kraemeri Ross and Moore), and root- knot nematode (Meloidogyne species). However, improvement in resistance to Acanthoscelides obtectus (Say), lesion (Pratylenchus species) and soybean cyst (Heterodera glycines) nematodes, and other regional insect pests has been minimal or non-existent. Furthermore, dry or green common bean cultivars with high levels of resistance to one or more insect pests and nematodes are rare. Breeding strategies for integrated and simultaneous genetic improvement of multiple qualitatively and quantitatively inherited resistances for cultivar development are briefly described.

Review: Breeding common bean for resistance to insect pests and nematodes

Singh, S. P. and Schwartz, H. F. 2011. Review: Breeding common bean for resistance to insect pests and nematodes. Can. J. Plant Sci. 91: 239–250. Various insect pests and nematodes cause severe losses (35–100%) globally to the yield and quality of dry and green common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.). The objectives of this review are to briefly describe major insect pests and nematodes in the Americas, breeding strategies and methods used, and research progress achieved. We also describe integrated genetic improvement for resistance to multiple insect pests and nematodes and cultivar development. Breeding for resistance to one insect pest or nematode at a time has been practiced in most instances. Backcross, pedigree, and bulk-pedigree breeding methods have been used. Considerable progress has been made in genetics and germplasm enhancement for resistance to bean pod weevil (Apion godmani Wagner), tropical bruchid (Zabrotes subfasciatus Boheman), leafhoppers (Empoasca kraemeri Ross and Moore), and root- knot nematode (Meloidogyne species). However, improvement in resistance to Acanthoscelides obtectus (Say), lesion (Pratylenchus species) and soybean cyst (Heterodera glycines) nematodes, and other regional insect pests has been minimal or non-existent. Furthermore, dry or green common bean cultivars with high levels of resistance to one or more insect pests and nematodes are rare. Breeding strategies for integrated and simultaneous genetic improvement of multiple qualitatively and quantitatively inherited resistances for cultivar development are briefly described.

Interference of redroot pigweed (Amaranthus retroflexus) in green bean (Phaseolus vulgaris)

Weeds that emerge along with or immediately after crop plants usually can reduce the yield of those crops. Two randomized complete block design experiments were conducted during 2006 and 2007 in Tabriz, Iran to determine the critical period of redroot pigweed control in the green bean hybrid “Cantander”. The treatments were weed‐infested and weed‐free plots at 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, and 14 weeks after bean emergence (WABE). The green bean biomass was affected by the early emergence of redroot pigweed, but it was not reduced when redroot pigweed emerged at 10 weeks after crop emergence, along with crop emergence, and grew with green bean until 4 WABE. The redroot pigweed biomass decreased by 2.7 g m−2 per day when weed emergence was delayed. Each 100 g m−2 of weed biomass that was produced resulted in a 1.4 kg ha−1 loss in the green bean yield. When redroot pigweed interference lasted for ≥4 weeks after green bean emergence, the green bean yield was reduced significantly. Weeds, which emerged 2 weeks after green bean and thereafter were controlled, did not decrease crop productivity significantly. The highest crop yield was obtained when the weed emerged at 14 WABE. The critical period of redroot pigweed control, considering a 10% yield loss, was between 19 and 55 days after green bean emergence. Thus, weed control practises should be begun no later than 3 WABE and should continue until at least 8 WABE in order to obtain the maximum green bean yield.

Response of vanilla (Vanilla planifolia A.) intercropped in arecanut to irrigation and nutrition in humid tropics of India

A 5-year field trial to assess the impact of microsprinkler irrigation and nutrition on vanilla grown as intercrop in arecanut plantation was conducted on a laterite soil. Pooled analysis indicated that microsprinkler irrigation at 1.0 Epan resulted in significantly higher green bean yield (842 kg ha-1) than 0.75 Epan (579 kg ha-1). Organic manure application in the form of vermicompost (720 kg ha-1) and FYM (768 kg ha-1) and recommended NPK (718 kg ha-1) produced green bean yield at par with recycling of gliricidia prunings (625 kg ha-1). Irrigation at 1.0 Epan proved superior by registering maximum benefit:cost (B:C) ratio of 2.25 compared to 1.62 at 0.75 Epan. The highest B:C ratio was obtained with recommended NPK (2.27) followed by recycling of gliricidia prunings (2.10), vermicompost (1.87), vermicompost + arecanut husk mulching (1.80) and FYM (1.64). The soil pH increased by 0.4 units in 2008 compared with the pre-experimental soil pH of 5.6 in 2004. Nutrition alone and in combination with irrigation had significant impact on soil pH. Organic manure application increased the soil pH (6.1�6.2) significantly over recommended NPK (5.6) at the end of experiment in 2008. Significant variation in soil organic carbon (SOC) was noticed due to different nutrition treatments. Application of vermicompost and FYM significantly increased the SOC content by 38�54% in 2008 over initial levels in 2004. Bray's P availability was influenced by nutrition and its interaction with irrigation. Application of FYM continuously for 4 years has resulted in significant increase in Bray's P content (41.3 mg kg-1) compared to other nutrition treatments (9.4�17.2 mg kg-1). Irrigation equivalent to 0.75 Epan (223 mg kg-1) increased the K availability significantly over 1.0 Epan (172 mg kg-1). The K availability was significantly higher in recommended NPK (416 mg kg-1) than in other organic treatments (98�223 mg kg-1) at 0�30 cm soil depth. Overall, vanilla responded well to irrigation and nutrition in arecanut-based cropping system with a better economic output and improved soil fertility.

Effect Of Different Rates Of Pig Manure On The Growth And Yield Of Phaseolus vulgaris (Green Beans)

A study was carried out to assess the response of Phaseolus vulgaris to various rates of pig manure application with respect to growth and yield. The study was carried out in a completely randomized design replicated four times. The rate of pig manure application did not affect plant height throughout the period of plant growth. Plant height and girths of plant increased with time, but the former was not affected by the rate of pig manure application. Number of leaves and leaf area increased up to 5 week after sowing and declined thereafter. At 5 weeks after sowing, 20 and 30 t/ha of pig manure application produced comparative and significantly higher values of number of leaves. With respect to leaf area, 30 and 40 t/ha produced the comparatively and the highest values. Pig manure applied at the rate of 40 t/ha significantly produced the highest yield of fresh pod yield of green beans. The pod yields generally declined with lower rates of pig manure application.

Yield and economic return of drip‐irrigated vegetable production in Turkey

Field experiments were conducted for 2 years (2004 and 2005) on sandy loam soil in south Marmara region of Turkey to study the effect of five levels of pan evaporation replenishment (20%, 40%, 60%, 80%, and 100%) on marketable yield, irrigation water productivity (IWP), and economic return of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum), pepper (Capsicum annuum), green bean (Phaseolus vulgaris), and eggplant (Solanum melongena) under a drip irrigation method. The highest mean marketable yield (2 years) of tomato (87.5 t ha−1), pepper (59.2 t ha−1), green bean (7.6 t ha−1), and eggplant (46.5 t ha−1) was recorded at 100%, 100%, 80%, 100%, and 80% of pan evaporation replenishment, respectively. The IWP of tomato (23.6 kg m−3), pepper (16.5 kg m−3), green bean (2.6 kg m−3), and eggplant (13.6 kg m−3) was the maximum at 80%, 80%, 40%, and 80% of pan evaporation replenishment, respectively. The results revealed that a further increase in irrigation amount resulting from 100% of pan evaporation replenishment did not increase the marketable yield of crops but reduced the IWP significantly. The net return increased with the increase in pan evaporation replenishment. The results revealed that the pepper is the most profitable crop, followed by tomato, eggplant, and green bean.

The Influence of Temperature on Growth and Yield of Green Beans for Processing

The Influence of Temperature on Growth and Yield of Green Beans for Processing

Yield, Grade, and Gross Revenue of Double-Cropped Green Bean and Sweet Corn with Cotton

Yield, Grade, and Gross Revenue of Double-Cropped Green Bean and Sweet Corn with Cotton

Estimation of green bean yield, water deficiency and productivity using spectral indexes during the growing season

Field experiments were carried out in the 2004 and 2005 growing seasons on drip irrigated dwarf green beans (Phaseolus vulgaris, humilis). Soil water content (SWC), spectral reflectance and yield were monitored. Based on these data crop evapotranspiration (ETc), soil water deficit index (SWDI), water use efficiency (WUE) and four separate spectral indexes were calculated. In order to determine use opportunities of spectral indexes for estimation of yield, SWDI and WUE, some statistical analyzes were made. Results showed that spectral indexes could be used for monitoring of yield, SWDI and WUE. Especially, Soil Adjusted Vegetation Index (SAVI) had the highest correlations with all three of the parameters. The estimation procedure which was given in this study has a potential use either during, or at the end of the growing season. Estimated values of WUE and SWDI were 3.2 (kg m−3) and 0.12, respectively, through SAVI and the given procedure, indicates the optimal water use and yield conditions for dwarf green beans. At this situation, probably ETc was 580 mm and yield was 25.5 t ha−1.

Yield and quality response of drip irrigated green beans under full and deficit irrigation

The effects of different irrigation regimes on yield and quality of green beans ( Phaselous vulgaris L.) irrigated with a drip irrigation system under field conditions in the Mediterranean region of Turkey were evaluated along two years. Irrigation regimes consisted of four irrigation intervals based on four levels of cumulative pan evaporation (Epan) values ( I 1: 15; I 2: 30; I 3: 45 and I 4: 60 mm); irrigations occurred on the respective treatments when Epan reached target values, and three plant–pan coefficients as for irrigation levels (Kcp 1 = 0.50, Kcp 2 = 0.75 and Kcp 3 = 1.00). Irrigation intervals varied from 2 to 4 days in I 1, 5 to 7 days in I 2, 8 to 10 days in I 3 and 10 to 12 days in I 4 treatments in 2004 and 2005 growing seasons Both irrigation levels and intervals significantly affected the green bean yields. Maximum and minimum yields were obtained from the I 1Kcp 3 and I 4Kcp 1 treatments as 24,320 and 14,200 kg ha −1 in the first, and 23,850 and 13,210 kg ha −1 in the second experimental year, respectively. As the Kcp value decreased the total yields in each irrigation interval also decreased. However, with the longer irrigation interval ( I 4), lower yields were obtained with all Kcp coefficients. Seasonal water use (ET) values in the treatments varied from 276 mm in I 4Kcp 1 to 400 mm in I 1Kcp 3 in the first experimental year, and from 365 mm in I 4Kcp 1 to 472 mm in I 1Kcp 3 in the second experimental year. Significant linear relations were found between green bean yield and seasonal ET for each experimental year. Irrigation intervals resulted in similar water use in the treatments with the same Kcp value. Water use efficiency (WUE) and irrigation water use efficiency (IWUE) values were significantly influenced by the irrigation intervals and plant–pan coefficients. WUE ranged from 4.33 kg m −3 in I 4Kcp 3 to 6.08 kg m −3 in I 1Kcp 3 in 2004, and varied from 3.62 kg m −3 in I 4Kcp 1 to 5.43 kg m −3 in I 2Kcp 2 in the 2005 growing season. Maximum IWUE was observed in I 2Kcp 1 (6.16 kg m −3), and minimum IWUE was in I 4Kcp 3 treatment (3.83 kg m −3) in the experimental years. Both irrigation levels and irrigation frequencies had significantly different effects on quality parameters such as fresh bean length, width, number of seed per pod and 100 fresh bean weights. In conclusion, I 1Kcp 3 irrigation regime is recommended for field grown green beans under the Mediterranean conditions in order to attain higher yields with improved quality.

Growth and Yield of Vegetable Soybean (Edamame) in Mississippi

Soybean (Glycine max) grown as a vegetable is gaining in popularity in the U.S. and demand is expected to increase over the long term. However, information on production in the U.S. is limited because most of the product is imported. Field experiments were conducted at Stoneville, Miss., in 2004 and 2005 to evaluate the production and yield potential and to estimate the net returns for sustainable production in the Mississippi Delta. In 2004, four vegetable soybean varieties were evaluated and 23 varieties were evaluated in 2005. The varieties varied from maturity group III to VII. The late-maturing varieties were generally taller, had more nodes/plant, pods/plant, and fresh green pod yield at R6 stage (full seed) than the early-maturing varieties. Fresh green bean yield ranged from 1438 to 19,119 lb/acre in 2004. The mean bean yield for the 18 Apr. 2005 planting was 26,538 lb/acre compared with a mean of 18,131 lb/acre for the 10 May 2005 planting. Interaction occurred between planting date and variety as well as soil type and variety for all the variables evaluated. ‘Envy’ produced the lowest yield, whereas ‘Garden Soy 01’, ‘Garden Soy 21’, ‘Midori Giant’, ‘Mojo Green’, and ‘Moon Cake’ produced the highest fresh bean yield. The estimated net returns, using the Mississippi State Budget Generator as a guide, indicated more than twice the returns from growing the regular commodity soybean. The data suggest that vegetable soybean can fit well into the existing cropping system and could be a viable alternative crop for growers in the Mississippi Delta who want to capitalize on a niche market.

Response of green bean ( P. vulgaris L.) to subsurface drip irrigation and partial rootzone-drying irrigation

Effects on water use, green bean yield, irrigation water-use efficiency (IWUE), water-use efficiency (WUE), plant dry weight and crop water relationship were investigated for two-drip irrigation techniques and four irrigation water levels in the Mediterranean region of Turkey. The treatments were conventional (SDI) and alternating subsurface drip irrigation (SPRD). At each irrigation event, half of the volume of water applied to the SDI was applied to one side of the crop, representing the partial rootzone-drying treatment. All treatments received 295 mm of irrigation during crop establishment, prior to beginning the different irrigation regimes. Differing irrigation amounts corresponded to four crop-pan coefficients (Kcp 1 = 0.6, Kcp 2 = 0.8, Kcp 3 = 1.0 and Kcp 4 = 1.2), appropriate to pan data. Total water applied to the SDI and SPRD treatments ranged from 366 to 437 mm and from 331 to 366 mm, respectively, depending on Kcp values, with water uptake varying from 396 to 470 mm and 364 to 409 mm, respectively. While differences of green bean yield and dry plant weights were not significantly affected by the SDI and SPRD irrigation techniques, the overall irrigation water saving was found to be 16% for the SPRD irrigation treatment compared with the SDI treatment. SPRD irrigation techniques increased IWUE, WUE, and slopes of yield water relationships. Increase in slopes of the yield–irrigation water and yield–water-use function of SPRD according to the equivalent slopes of the SDI were 215.8 and 151.4%, respectively. SPRD increased the green bean yield response factor (ky) with value of 128.4% according to the equivalent slopes of the SDI. In conclusion, irrigation scheduling based on a 0.8 crop-pan coefficient is recommended for conventional SDI, with 1.0 being more appropriate for partial rootzone-drying practice.