ARS | Publication request: Crop Water Stress Index and Yield Components for Common Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) Genotypes in Greenhouse and Field Environments

Submitted to: Caribbean Food Crops Society Proceedings
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: July 7, 2010
Publication Date: September 1, 2008
Citation: Ramirez-Builes, V.H., Harmsen, E.W., Porch Clay, T.G. 2008. Crop Water Stress Index and Yield Components for Common Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) Genotypes in Greenhouse and Field Environments. Caribbean Food Crops Society Proceedings. 44(2):279.

Technical Abstract: Methods to detect and characterize the magnitude of drought stress are an area of active research. With the development and increased popularity of the infrared thermometer, a thermal stress index has been proposed and applied. One of the most popular and useful is the crop water stress index (CWSI). The principal objective of this research was to develop baselines for CWSI for four common bean genotypes, and relate the index with yield components and soil available water under field and greenhouse environments. Trials were conducted during three years (2005, 2006 and 2007) in two environments (greenhouse and field) in western and southern Puerto Rico. Three water levels were applied in the greenhouse and two water levels were applied in the field using the randomized complete block design. Four common bean genotypes were studied: Morales, with an unknown drought response; and BAT477, SER16 and SER 21, which are drought tolerant. The CWSI was derived for a total of five growing seasons (two field and three greenhouse experiments). The results indicate differences in drought tolerance between genotypes. Wind induced an additional “physiological stress” which was detected by the CWSI. The differences in the CWSI between genotypes were correlated with the root available water, and yield components.