Effects of planting dates on common bean cultivated in the fall-winter period

Abstract

Four experiments were carried out at Viçosa, Ponte Nova and Leopoldina, municipalities, Zona da Mata area, state of Minas Gerais, Brazil, to analyze the effects of planting dates (April through June) on the common bean cultivars LM 30013-0, Milionário 1732, Ouro, Diacol Andino, Carioca, and Fortuna 1895. It was found that yields tended to decrease gradually as planting dates changed from April through June. This tendency was stronger at Viçosa (winter rather rigorous) than at Ponte Nova and Leopoldina (mild winter). The interaction planting date x cultivar was always significant. Angular leaf spot and rust were constant bean diseases in the experiments; powdery mildew and common bacterial blight only attacked beans planted in June. The life cycle of the bean cultivars was extended, mainly at Viçosa.