How weather during development of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) affects the crop's maximum attainable seed quality

Abstract

Weather conditions affect the seed quality of major crops including common bean. This study aimed to evaluate whether seed quality is affected through weather effects on the quality achievable at the end of seed filling (PM) or through changes in quality during maturation drying in the period between PM and harvest maturity (HM). The research also aimed to establish relationships between seed yield and seed quality. Twenty-four common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) crops from two cultivars were sown on different dates in Eldoret and Kitui, Kenya. Seed quality was quantified as the percentage of viable seeds determined with a tetrazolium test, and as vigour measured by electrical conductivity (EC). Over the range of weather conditions during our study, high temperatures were more detrimental to seed quality than little rainfall.The two cultivars differed in susceptibility to high temperatures. High temperatures and little rainfall seemed to reduce seed quality mainly through reducing maximum quality attainable during the course of crop development. The quality in general did not change significantly between PM and HM, but in some cases the proportion of viable seeds increased between PM and HM, especially when ambient temperatures were relatively low. For seed samples free from mechanical damage, EC appeared to be an unsuitable criterion to detect quality differences at HM, because in almost all seed lots quality was indiscriminately classified as 'good', whereas viability varied between 69 and IOO%. Production conditions leading to low seed yields or seeds oflow weight resulted in a low percentage of viable seeds but conditions resulting in fairly high yields or heavy seeds did not guarantee a high percentage of viable seeds.

Evaluation of Seed Quality Attributes of Sorghum Germplasm Accessions from Eastern, Coastal and Nyanza Regions, Kenya

“…The informal seed supply system consists of farmer-managed seed production activities and is based on indigenous knowledge and local diffusion mechanisms. Maintaining crop production in terms of yield and quality grains which give the farmer maximum return requires good seed which carries the genetic, physiological, and physical quality aspects (Muasya et al, 2008;Ahmed et al, 2009). Good seed requires constant care to prevent loss of quality and to ensure high yield for farmers.…”

Baseline survey on factors affecting sorghum production and use in eastern Kenya

“…Seed quality is of basic importance for a good seedling establishment and crop development. Maintaining crop production in terms of yield and product quality which give the farmer maximum return requires good seed which carries the genetic, physiological, and physical quality aspects [26]. Good seed requires constant care to prevent loss of quality and to ensure high yield for farmers.…”

Comparison o Selection Results i Organic and Conventional Environments for Winter Triticale

“…This difference between organically and conventionally selected lines was not observed in 2012. Seed quality and vigour are affected by agrometeorological conditions at grain ripening time (Muasya et al, 2008). Since the meteorological conditions in both trial locations of the current research were identical, plant growth and development was mostly affected by growth conditions: genotypes grown in the organic field did not receive sufficient amounts of nutrients, and therefore, could not provide the high yields in next year of plants in the conventional field.…”