Effects of fungicide application and different nitrogen fertilizer levels on yield components of three varieties of common bean Phaseolus vulgaris L.

Abstract

In Cameroon, common bean is produced and highly consumed as a source of protein and means of generating income by small farm holders. However, diseases like angular leaf spot caused by Phaeoisariopsis griseola (Sacc), poor agronomic practices and low soil fertility are negatively impacting the production of the crop. A field experiment was conducted under natural conditions in the University of Dschang during the 2017 main cropping season. The experiment was laid out in a RCBD in a splitsplit plot arrangement with three replications: Fungicide application (sprayed and unsprayed); Fertilizer level: F1 (Control), F2 (10 t/ha Tithonia), F3 (3.5 t/ha poultry manure) and F4 (0.4 t/ha 14.24.14 NPK fertilizer). Bean varieties that occupied each experimental unit were V1 (GLP-190 S), V2 (PH201) and V3 (PNG). There was a significant difference (P<0.05) between sprayed and unsprayed plots with respect to disease severity. The highest number of pods was obtained from the Tithonia treatment (F2) while the lowest was gotten from the mineral fertilizer treatment (F4). As concerns the interactions, fertilization and variety, spray and variety, there was a significant difference (P<0.05) among the various components. In all varieties, sprayed plots had more pods, seed weight, 100-seed weight compared to unsprayed plots. From the study, it shows that fungicide treatment reduced disease severity and the different nitrogen fertilizers greatly improved yield components of the crop.