DRY BEANS COMPETITIVE ABILITY AGAINST WEEDS

Abstract

A field experiments was conducted from June to November at Chapingo, State of México, to evaluate the competitive ability of twelve dry (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) genotypes and to determine which crop characteristics contribute to weed suppression. The genotypes used were Negro Huasteco, Línea élite 8, Línea élite 4, Pedigrí 341, Bayomex, Pedigrí 540, Oaxaca 268, Pinto Hidalgo, Flor de Mayo RMC, Bayo Madero, Negro 150 Lir 31, Flor de Junio. Each genotype grew with and without complete weed competition. The experiment design was a complete randomized block with three replicates. Competition by weeds reduced yield components and yield grain in some bean genotypes. The ability of dry bean genotypes to compete against weeds was related to the genotype and its habit. The fast initial growth and dense canopy gave the bean plant advantage thin competition. Flor de Junio and Pinto Hidalgo showed the best weed suppression and had the highest grain yield.