Response of cultivars, sowing dates and plant spacing on growth and seed yield traits in French bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.)

The current study was aimed to evaluate the performance of varieties, sowing dates and spacing on growth and seed yield in French bean. The reported study was conducted in a randomized block design (factorial concept) with two varieties viz., Lakshmi and SVM-1, three sowing dates viz., second fortnight of July, first week of August and second fortnight of August and two plant spacings viz., 90×15 cm and 90×30 cm. The standard protocol was followed for recording observations. Significant variation was observed for most of the traits in present investigation due to different cultivars, sowing dates and spacings. It was revealed that sowing of French bean variety Lakshmi on the second fortnight of July at a spacing of 90 × 15 cm gave the best results in terms of growth and seed yield characters. This variety also recorded less incidence of disease and maximum net returns of Rs. 390,288 per hectare and B: C ratio of 3.36 whereas, sowing of variety SVM-1 on the second fortnight of July at a wider plant spacing i.e. 90 × 30 cm surpassed all other treatments and thus contributing in net returns of Rs. 376,822 and cost benefit ratio of 3.59.