The influence of environmental factors on flowering of french bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.)

Abstract

French bean ( Phaseolus vulgaris L.) cultivars cultivated for green pods from six sowing dates (since mid of May till end of June) at weekly intervals were performed in 2003-2005. The study included the determination of the number of inflorescences per plant, number of flowers in inflorescence, length of inflorescence axis, and number of total and marketable pods per plant. French bean sown in the mid of May till the end of June showed the greatest variability with respect to the flowering start date and flowering period length as well as the number of pods set on a plant. French bean plants sown on different dates produced a similar number of inflorescences and flowers per bunch; 61.6-74.6 flowers per plant, on average. Weather conditions in July and August had the greatest influence on the flowering pattern and bean pod setting.