Impact of shade net and polyethene sheet on microclimate, growth and productivity of French bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) in Punjab, India

Modification of microclimate is a major factor that can affect growth and productivity of French bean. A study was conducted at Ludhiana, Punjab, India during winter (2021-22) and spring season (2022) to find out the effect of microclimatic modifications using polythene sheet and shade net on production of French bean. Four treatments were formulated i.e. Control, whole season covered, covered during vegetative stage and covered during reproductive stage of two varieties (FBP-1 and Kentucky wonder) of French bean. Structures on different treatments were installed after emergence of the crop. The crop took 60-70 days to attain physiological maturity during winter season while the crop matured in 60-65 days during spring season. Higher green pod yield (167.0 q ha-1) was obtained for whole season cover conditions as compared to open conditions (130.7 q ha-1) during winter season. Pod yield was recorded less during spring season, yield under cover condition (94.8 q ha-1) was higher as compared to open condition (58.3 q ha-1). Among the both varieties FBP-1 performed better than Kentucky wonder during both the seasons. Under covered condition higher chlorophyll content along with higher vegetative & reproductive growth and earliness of crop has been observed. During spring season due to rise in temperature less yield has been obtained.