Effect of tillage practice and planting pattern on performance of white bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) in Ontario

Abstract

The effect of tillage system on planting pattern and cultivar choice of white bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) was evaluated in 1990 and 1991. In one experiment, white bean cv. OAC Gryphon was sown in three different planting patterns: rows 20 cm apart and 375 000 seeds ha−1, 40 cm apart and 375 000 seeds ha−1 and 76 cm apart and 250 000 seeds ha−1. This cultivar was grown under chisel ploughing and no-till. No interaction (tillage × planting pattern) was detected in either year. There were no significant differences in seed yields, total aboveground dry matter or leaf area index (LAI) between tillage systems and no interaction of year × tillage system. In 1990, yield increased where white bean was planted in 20 cm rows versus 40 cm rows; however, there was no significant effect of planting pattern on total aboveground dry matter or LAI. In 1991, total aboveground dry matter and LAI increased with decreasing row width. In a second experiment, the interaction effects between tillage system and seven cultivars of white bean were evaluated. Regardless of the tillage system used, the performances of two cultivars (OAC Gryphon and OAC Laser) were consistent within the 2 years of our study. It appears that the choice of cultivars of white bean may depend more on yield potential, disease resistance and adaptation to a particular region than the tillage system to be used. Key words:Phaseolus vulgaris, white bean, no-till, chisel plough, planting pattern