Adaptation Studies on Lima Bean Accessions in Colombia

Abstract

Thirty-six climbing accessions of lima bean ( Phaseolus lunatus L.) were grown on trellises with minimal chemical inputs in 5 trials at 4 Colombian sites. Mean dry-seed yield of all accessions at all 4 sites was 2.6 mt /ha. Mean yield at the least favorable site was 1.7 mt /ha; at the most favorable site it was 4.8 mt /ha. Although growth was affected adversely on a soil with pH 4.2, the mean yield was 2.5 mt /ha. Mean daily dry-seed productivity rates of all accessions ranged from 15.1 kg/ha/day to 44.1 kg/ha/day for the several locations, in some cases exceeding rates reported for common beans and other legumes at the same location. Mean yield and number of pods per plant varied significantly among sites, dependent upon temperature and soil differences. Days to flower and to dry-seed harvest were relatively stable traits. No relationship was found between yield and seed-coat color. Production constraints were rainfall distribution and acid, phosphorus-deficient soils. These studies demonstrated high productivity of lima beans under adverse and favorable climatic and soil conditions in Colombia