The effect of varying plant population density on the seed yield of Navy beans (Phaseolus vulgaris)in south-east Enland

SUMMARY Navy beans were precision drilled in 1973–5 at a range of plant population densities. Within each growing season the density treatments did not influence seed yield, but mean yields differed significantly between years. The results suggest that cultivars similar to Purley King can only be regarded as a reliable break crop in a season such as 1973 which was slightly warmer and drier in mid-summer than average. Although the rate of drying increased with increasing plant density in two of the growing seasons, no practical advantages are proposed.