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A Collection Receptacle for Field Abscission Studies in Common Bean¹

A non tagging, non destructive, continuous, and inexpensive method was developed to evaluate abscission of reproductive organs in dry beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) under field conditions. Abscission collection receptacles (ACR) were built, using saran screen (1.5 x 2.0 mm mesh) and 2.5 x 5.0 cm redwood stock. Receptacles were placed in the field over a 1.25 m segment of row, and the floor was carefully fitted around competitively growing plants at the 2 to 3 true leaf stage. The method was tested on dry bean cvs., ‘Tuscola,’ ‘NEP II,’ and ‘Black Turtle Soup,’ selected because of their contrasting growth and flowering habits. Reproductive organs were collected every 4 days and taken to the laboratory where the data were quantified. Samples required 3 min per ACR. Abscission could be broken down into flower and pod drop components. Pod abscission accounted for most of the shedding of reproductive organs. The abscission of pods under 10 mm accounted for 64 to 82% of all reproductive structures abscised. The ACR was useful to study the seasonal patterns of flowering, abscission, and pod retention of genotypes. Differences in these parameters were detected among the three cultivars studied in this experiment. Low coefficients of variation associated with data collection indicated a good degree of precision in the experiments. Compared to unenclosed plants, the ACR had no significant effect on growth, vigor, yield, and yield components of enclosed plants.

Key Words: Dry beans • Reproductive organs • Flower and pod shedding • Field methodology • Phaseolous vulgaris L.

² Respectively, graduate research assistant, Dep. of Crop and Soil Sciences, Michigan State Univ. and research geneticist, USDA-SEAAR, East Lansing, MI 48824.

Received for publication June 20, 1980.