Effect of Soil Water Stress on Bush Beans Phaseolus vulgaris L. at Three Stages of Growth1

Abstract

Abstract Bush beans grown on plots provided with an automatic rain shelter were subjected to a soil water stress of 8 bars at the preflowering, flowering, and postflowering stages of growth. Total weights of green pods from 4 harvests were reduced 53, 71, and 35%, respectively, from those of plants that were on low stress. Fifty pounds of N and 22 lb. of P/A increased yields significantly. Plants that were under stress subsequently did not attain a normal height. The effects of stress on floral set and pod development are discussed.