ISHS Acta Horticulturae 379: International Symposium on Quality of Fruit and Vegetables: Influence of Pre- and Post- Harvest Factors and Technology
PLANT DENSITY, IRRIGATION, HARVEST DATE, POD YIELD AND QUALITY OF GREEN BEANS FOR FREEZING |
| Authors: | M.E. FERREIRA, M.A.C. FROGOSO, M.F. FELIX, V.V. BIANCO, A. FERREIRA, L. ANDRADA, D. CARREIRA, A.A. MONTEIRO |
| Abstract:
The aim of this study was to evaluate the best plant density and harvest date for higher yields of good quality pods of freezing green beans. A trial was carried out during June - July 1992 with three plant densities (12.5, 25.0, and 50.0 plants/m2), under two sprinkler irrigations (pF 2.3, and 2.7) and three final harvest dates (56, 60, and 63 days from sowing). Plant density had a significant effect on yield, pod fresh weight and tenderometer readings. Pod yield increased with plant density from 14 to 20 t/ha, while pod fresh weight and texture decreased respectively from 3.44 to 3.22 g and 39.5 to 37.8 N/g. Biomass, pod sieve sizes, and colour b* were the only parameters affected by irrigation. Harvest timing influenced pod yield, pod fresh weight, seed/pod weight, pod dry matter, alcohol insoluble solids, fibre, colour (L*a*b*), seed length and the organoleptic characteristics except curvature, tenderometer reading and green colour. A delay in harvest from 56 to 63 days from sowing raised yield from 11.8 to 20.8 t/ha, seed/pod weight from 4.3 to 11.9 %, and alcohol insoluble solids from 5.4 to 8.1 %. Alcohol insoluble solids are highly correlated with seed length and seed/pod weight which proves that these fast and simple methods can be used in the field to determine the harvest date. This results suggest that 50 plants/m2 is recommended since yield is significantly higher and pod characteristics were not affected. Harvest date is a determinant of pod quality, and the best pod quality was obtained by harvesting at 60 days from sowing. | |
Download Adobe Acrobat Reader (free software to read PDF files) | |
