Critical period of weed interference in irrigated snap bean (Phaseolus vulgaris)

• Published in: Advances in horticultural science Vol. 9; no. 1; pp. 23 - 26
• Main Author: Qasem, J.R.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Department of Horticulture, University of Florence 01-01-1995
• Subjects: Annual weeds; Beans; Critical periods; Emergence; Growing seasons; Plants; Weed competition; Weed control; Weed science; Weeds
• ISSN: 0394-6169; 1592-1573

Two field experiments were conducted in 1992 and 1993 to determine the critical period of weed interference in snap bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L. 'Strike'). In both experiments, beans were kept weed-free for various periods after emergence or weeds were allowed to grow with beans for different periods before being removed. Final yield was significantly reduced when the naturally occuring annual weeds were allowed to infest bean for 14 and 21 days after emergence in 1992 and 1993, respectively. Further delay in weed removal treatments caused considerable yield losses. Bean plants kept weed-free for 14 days in 1992 or 28 days in 1993 significantly increased yields compared with bean plants weed-infested for the whole season. Yield was not significantly changed for various weed-free periods longer than 21 days after bean emergence in 1992 and 28 days in 1993. Based upon average yield of the two years, the critical period of weed interference was between 14 and 21 days after bean emergence. The growers must control weeds at this period to avoid any significant yield losses.