The response of field beans (Vicia fabaL.) to irrigation and sowing date. 2. Growth and development in relation to yield

Abstract

S U M M A R YThe growth and yield of four crops of field bean cv. Maris Bead in response to irrigation and sowing date were analysed in relation to leaf area expansion and senescence and their absorption and utilization of photosynthetically active radiation (PAR). Total dry matter (D.M.) production and seed yield were strongly correlated with total green area duration (GAD) and post-flowering GAD respectively.Total D.M. production was also strongly related to radiation absorbed by the green surfaces of the crop although autumn sowing and drought both decreased the constant of proportionality, i.e. the growth efficiency (£ g ). Autumn sowings yielded more than spring sowings because they grew for longer and received 22 % more radiation. Their harvest index was also about 40 % higher than in spring sowings. These more than compensated for their smaller E g . Drought decreased yield mainly by decreasing radiation received and E % . Growth duration was shorter and harvest index was smaller.The rate of phenological development was strongly dependent upon temperature and to a lesser extent on photoperiod. The average thermal duration from emergence to flowering was 790 °Cd above a base of 0 °C. The time from sowing to the end of the pod growth was well represented by a simple multiplicative model in which development rate was a linear function of temperature above a base of 0 °C and photoperiod above a base of 6 h. The average photothermal duration required for 10 crops was 980 °Cd.An attempt was also made to determine the crop physiological and environmental factors which govern the change in size of the yield components of field bean crops caused by irrigation and sowing date. The final number of pods per plant was closely correlated with the rate of supply of assimilates during pod filling. Irrigation increased assimilate flux by increasing leaf area, growth rate and total dry matter during pod growth. Both the rate and duration of pod growth were little affected by irrigation. Autumn sowings produced heavier pods and beans due to both a faster rate and a longer duration of growth which were associated with a greater production of assimilate during the seed growth period. Seed growth depends on both the current assimilate and stored reserves, the latter especially when plants were subjected to environmental stress.

Effects of irrigation and sowing date on phenology and yield of pinto beans(Phaseolus vulgarisL.) in Canterbury, New Zealand

“…This has also been reported by Wallace et al (1995) in navy beans and Husain et al (1988b) in field beans. Wallace et al (1995) observed that the rate of development of dry beans was largely controlled by temperature, accounting for 80% of the variation.…”

“…The linear relationship between the development rate of the phases (especially during E-F and S-H) and mean temperature has also been reported in dry beans (Wallace et al 1995), common beans (P. vulgaris L.; Summerfield et al 1991), and field beans (Husain et al 1988b). It suggests that the development rate of pinto beans did not respond to photoperiod.…”

Effect of light and soil moisture on yield, yield components, and abortion of reproductive structures of chickpea (Cicerarietinum),in Canterbury, New Zealand

“…The very low LAI (2.2, below the critical LAI) in combination with a low total intercepted PAR in shaded unirrigated plants gave the lowest TDM among all the treatments. Increased DM production with increased radiation interception has been reported in chickpeas (Hernandez 1986), lentils (McKenzie & Hill 1991), peas (Heath et al 1994), field bean (Husain et al 1988), and mung beans (Liyanage & Me William 1981). Virtually all of the effects of these treatments on DM production are the result of reduced radiation interception and not to reduced efficiency of production of DM from intercepted radiation.…”

“…Previous work on grain legumes in Canterbury has shown that growth and development of lentils (Lens culinaris L.) McKenzie & Hill (1991) and faba beans (Viciafaba L.) (Husain et al 1988) was related to radiation interception and that radiation use efficiency was more stable than radiation interception. In legumes one of the main determinants of yield is harvest index, which is much less stable than in cereals.…”

Effect of early blight(Alternaria solani)and different nitrogen inputs on radiation interception, radiation use efficiency, and total dry matter production in potatoes(Solanum tuberosum)grown in Canterbury, New Zealand

“…The amount of dry matter accumulated by a wide range of crops, including apples and sugarbeet (Monteith 1977), barley (Gallagher & Biscoe 1978), field beans (Hussain et al 1988), lentil (McKenzie & Hill 1991), and potatoes (Allen & Scott 1980) has been related to the amount of intercepted photosynthetically active radiation (RI). The relationship is linear with the slope of the line being the radiation use efficiency (RUE).…”