P.A.U., Regional Research Station, Gurdaspur-143 521, India.
*Department of Agronomy, P.A.U., Ludhiana-141 004, India.
This article reviews the research work done in India on various agronomic aspects of French bean cultivation. It has been found that sowing time differs greatly in different agroclimatic conditions. It is sown from March to October in different parts of the country. Similarly, different varieties are recommended for different regions. While PDR 14 (Uday) is the most suited variety in north-eastern plains during winter season, VL 63 gives higher yield in central zone during winters and in the hills when grown in summer/rainy season. Him 1 due to its short duration performs well in Haryana and Punjab conditions as it matures before the occurrence of frost. Desired plant population can be maintained by using seed rate of 100–150 kg/ha and row to row spacing of 30–45 cm depending upon location and whether the crop is meant for dry seeds or green pods. Since it does not nodulate with the help of native rhizobia, it responds to heavy doses of nitrogen. Its higher yield can be obtained with application of nitrogen upto 120 kg/ha and phosphorus upto 60 kg/ha. For successful cultivation, it requires assured (light but frequent) irrigations. It requires 3–4 irrigation with irrigation at 25 days after sowing being the most critical. Irrigation at IW: CPE ratio of 0.75 has been recommended. Weeds can be effectively controlled by hand weeding twice at 20 and 40 days after sowing or pre-emergence application of 0.75–1.0 kg/ha of pendimethalin 30 EC. Bean mosaic virus can be controlled by spraying Rogor 30 EC of Nuvacron 36 EC @ 1 ml/litre of water. French bean can also be grown as inter crop with potato during winter season.
