Row orientation effects on FR/R light ratio, growth and development of field‐grown bush bean

Abstract

Bush bean ( Phaseolus vulgaris L. cv. Tenderette) plants were grown in north‐south (N‐S) and east‐west (E‐W) rows under field conditions to test effects of row orientation on reflected far‐red (FR) light patterns and on shoot size and edible bean productivity. Soil water and nutrients were adequate. Plants in N‐S rows received slightly higher ratios of FR relative to red (R) light, because of heliotropic movement of the leaves. Plants in N‐S rows partitioned more dry matter to shoots and edible green beans than those in E‐W rows. We conclude that row orientation of broadleaf plants can affect the FR/R light ratio and the phytochrome‐mediated regulation of plant development under field conditions.