Response of french bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) varieties to plant density and nitrogen application

A field experiment was conducted during the winter seasons of 1996–97 and 1997–98 at Baraut, Uttar Pradesh, to study the response of french bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) to plant density and N on sandy-loam soil analysing low in available N and medium in available P and K with pH 7.5. Varieties showed differential performance for growth and yield attributes. ‘HUR 87’ was the tallest with more seeds/pod, whereas ‘VL 63’ recorded the maximum branches/plant. Variety ‘PDR 14’ produced the maximum number of pods/plant and bolder seeds which finally led to higher seed and stover yields, and harvest index. Lowest plant density of 250 x 103 plants/ha recorded markedly higher values of growth and yield attributes, except plant height which was the maximum with the highest plant density of 500 x 103 plants/ha. Medium plant density (333x103 plants/ha) resulted in markedly higher yield than lower and higher plant densities. Higher plant density resulted in the highest stover yield. Lower and medium plant densities recorded higher harvest index over higher plant density. The growth and yield attributes and yields (grain and stover) increased with increasing rates of N up to 120 kg/ha. This level of N also recorded higher harvest index over no nitrogen.