The use of desiccant, defoliant and growth regulating sprays to advance the harvest of edible dry beans (Phaseolus vulgaris) in Tasmania

Abstract

An experiment tested whether growth regulating chemicals could advance harvesting of edible dry beans (Phaseolus vulgaris) by reducing the moisture content of the pods. Of five chemicals tested at four application times, Endothal, potassium iodide, and potassium iodide plus Ethrel advanced the date of harvest, based on moisture content of the beans, by at least 10 d. Seed yields were greatest at the later application dates of these chemicals. Alar also increased seed yield but did not reduce moisture content.