Effects Of Sowing Date And Plant Density On Yield Of Spotted Bean

In order to determine the best sowing date and the best plant density of the local spotted bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.), cultivar Khomein, an experiment was conducted in two years (1995-1996) at the Khomein National Bean Research Station. A split block design in randomized complete block with four replications was used. Three sowing dates (20 May, 4 June, and 19 June) were allocated in horizontal plots, and five plant densities (20, 25, 30,35, and 40 plants per m2)in vertical plots. The results indicated significant differences among plant densities for number of pods / plant, seeds / plant, 100 seed weight and seed yield. The highest number of pods / plant, seeds / plant and 100 seeds weight were obtained from 20 plants per m2 plots. However, the highest seed yield was obtained from 35 plants per m2 plots (about 3233 kgha-1). In sowing date treatments, plant height and days to maturity decreased with delay in planting. The seed yield was higher in the first sowing date (20 May) than the other dates. The results showed in general, that from desities of 30-40 plants per m2 planting in late May and early June the highest yield will be obtained.