The Effect of Plant Density and Weed Growth Control Methods on Vegetative Traits and Yield of Red Beans

Abstract

Using a suitable planting density and proper weed control are important factors in achieving high yield in red beans. In order to investigate the effects of plant density and weed control on the growth and yield of red beans, a factorial experiment was conducted in three replications in completely randomized blocks at the Agricultural Research Center of Khoy, North-West of Iran in 2017-2018. Three planting densities (20, 25 and 30 plants/m2) and four weed control method strategies including uncontrolled, selective herbicide (Bentazone), manually controlled and non-selective herbicide application (Paraquat) were selected. The results showed that the interaction effect of planting density and weed control methods significantly affected the number of lateral branches, the distance of the first lateral branch from the ground, the main stem’s diameter, the dry weight of the plant and seed yield. The highest seed yield (3391 kg/ha) was obtained in the planting density of 30 plants/m2 and manually controlled weeding and the highest seed protein percentage (24.8%) was obtained in the planting density of 20 plants/m2 and manual-weeding method. The results of this study showed that the manual weed control method has a relative advantage over the other methods of weed control and the use of non-selective herbicide alone is not effective in controlling red bean weeds. The production of greatest seed yield with a population density of 30 plants/m2 indicates a positive response of red beans to high plant densities.

Keywords

• herbicide
• protein percentage
• red bean
• stem diameter