Response of Snap beans to Increasing Plant Density

Abstract

The effect of five row spacings (30, 45, 60, 75, and 90 cm) on the marketable yield of three commercial snapbean varieties (Blue Lake 47, Astra, and Harvester) was evaluated in a spring planting at the Isabela and Adjuntas Substations. At Isabela, the highest yields of Blue Lake 47 (17,084 kg/ha) were obtained at 45 cm between rows; the lowest (8,408 kg/ha) at 90 cm. Maximum yields of Harvester (12,353 kg/ha) were obtained at 30 cm, followed closely by 11,927 kg ha at 45 cm. At Adjuntas, the highest yields of Astra (8,497 kg/ha) were obtained with 30 cm between rows; the lowest (5,000 kg/ha) with 75 cm. Maximum yields of Harvester (8,564 kg/ha) were obtained with 45 cm, followed by 8,161 kg/ha with 30 cm. The lowest yield (3,856 kg/ha) was obtained with 90 cm. In both localities, plants spaced 30 and 45 cm between rows were significantly taller than those at wider spacings due to competition for light.