Effect of soil moisture in root rot soil on plant growth and root rot severity of susceptible and resistant bean cultivars
1992
Tu, J.C. | Tan, C.S. | Park, S.J. (Agriculture Canada, Harrow, Ontario (Canada). Research Station)
The susceptible white bean line, HR17-827, required high soil moisture for optimal growth and yield. This condition also proved to be conductive to root rot development in root rot infested soil. Reduction of soil moisture in the root rot infested soil reduced root rot severity as well as growth and yield of beans. When highly resistant cultivars were not available, the reduction of soil moisture alleviated the effects of root rot and reduced the harvest. However, the result was better than a total crop loss which occurred at moisture levels favouring root rot development. When a highly resistant bean line was used, optimal soil moisture for plant growth and yield caused little incidence of root rots. This study showed clearly that manipulating soil moisture through proper cultural practices depending on cultivar susceptibility could be profitable. At present, none of the recommended cultivars have a high degree of root rot resistance, however, they may differ in their degree of susceptibility to root rot. Therefore, the effect of soil moisture on plant growth and root rot severity of all currently recommended cultivars should be evaluated separately to establish the optimal threshold of soil moisture level for each bean cultivar. The results will enable growers to achieve maximal yield with minimal root rot by manipulating water supply.
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