Effects of Photoperiod and Temperature on Rate of Node Development in Indeterminate Bean

Abstract

The plastochron index was used to compare the effects by daylength, mean temperature, and diurnal temperature fluctuation, on the rate of node development of five indeterminate common bean (Phaseolas vulgaris L.) genotypes grown in eight growth chamber environments. Regression analysis described temporal trends in the plastochron index. Regression curves for the various genotype—environment combinations were compared using canonical variates analysis. At a constant 17C, extending daylength from 12 to 14 or 16 hr had no effect on rate of node development. The rate of node development increased at a constant 23C when daylength was lengthened from 12 to 14 or 16 hr. The increase in rate of node development was more pronounced in genotypes with higher photoperiod sensitivity, as measured by delay of flowering. Temperature rise from 17 to 23 to 29C also increased the rate of node development, with genotypes again exhibiting differential response. Diurnal fluctuation of 6C about a mean of 23C had the same node development rate as a constant 23C.