Effect of plant density and different irrigation strategieson crop yield and canopy cover of red beans, Phaseolusvulgaris L. cv. Akhtar

ABSTRACT In order to study the effects of different irrigation regimes and plant density on yield and yield components of bean, a split plot arrangement was conducted in complete randomized block design during two years. The foremost variable was four levels of irrigation: 60, 80, 100, and 120% of the potential evapotranspiration. The second variable was within the row spacing of 5 cm (D1), 10 cm (D2) and 15 cm (D3) in three replications. The dry biomass and yield of bean were shown to be significantly affected by the difference within row spacing and irrigation. Results indicated that the dry biomass and grain yield increased when the density of planting and irrigation increased. In 2013, the maximum yield was 3061.8 kg ha1, occurring at 120% of potential evapotranspiration and the 5 cm within row spacing. The maximum water use efficiency was 0.33 kg m3, occurring at 100% of potential evapotranspiration and the 5 cm within row spacing. Minimum yield and water use efficiency under the condition of 60% potential evapotranspiration and within row spacing of 15 cm were 834.2 kg ha1 and0.12 kg m3, respectively. With respect to 100% potential evapotranspiration and within row spacing of 5 cm in 2014, the maximum yield and water use efficiency were 3305.2 kg ha1 and 0.34 kg m3, respectively. Minimum yield and water use efficiency were 1150.0 kg ha1 and 0.17 kg m3, respectively for 60% potential evapotranspiration and within row spacing of 15 cm.