Optimum stage of development for harvesting green-shelled beans

Abstract

Stage of development at harvest affects both the yield and quality of green-shelled beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.). The identification of a morphological marker associated with the occurrence of maximum pod fresh weight would help to increase yield and improve the quality of the crop. Number of days to maximum pod fresh weight was estimated for two whiteseeded bean cultivars by using data from field experiments conducted at Isabela, Puerto Rico, in 1985 and 1986. Based on regression estimates, the earlier maturity cultivar Cuarentena produced maximum pod fresh weight 63 days after planting (DAP) in 1985 and 66 DAP in 1986. 'Arroyo Loro' produced maximum pod fresh weight 68 DAP both years. The percentages of green, yellow and dry pods at the estimated maximum pod fresh weight were similar the two years for Cuarentena but varied for Arroyo Loro. Dry pods are considered undesirable for marketing green-shelled beans. The appearance of the first dry pod was considered to be a useful morphological marker to begin the harvest of green-shelled beans because at least 85% of the estimated maximum pod yield had accumulated when the first dry pod appeared in the cultivars Arroyo Loro and Cuarentena. This morphological marker provides a useful compromise between yield potential and quality of green-shelled beans.