The Effect of a Growth Retardant Compound (B4) on Phaseolus Beans |
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| Authors: | E O Lucas G M Melbourn H F Taylor |
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| Institution: | 1. Department of Agriculture;2. A.R.C. Plant Growth Substances Unit, Wye College (University of London), Ashford, Kent, UK |
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| Abstract: | When the growth retardant B4 was applied to Phaseolus beans at the primary leaf stage or at one week before flowering, a temporary dwarfing effect occurred and less total vegetative growth was produced. Although these pre-flowering treatments delayed the production of peak pod numbers, no effect on final seed yield occurred. In contrast, an application of B4 during the early pod-fill stage gave a less marked reduction in vegetative tissue, but increased seed yield by 16%. It is suggested that this extra yield may have resulted from a reduction in pod shading by leaves which enabled a greater direct contribution to seed yield from pod photosynthesis. Alternatively, a restriction in growth of new leaves may have given a greater transfer of assimilate to the pods from older leaves. |
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