Published online by Cambridge University Press: 27 March 2009
Phaseolus vulgaris (cv. Provider) was assessed as a vegetable and seed crop in southeast England. Experiments were designed to simulate ‘pick your own’ harvest systems which are becoming increasingly popular. Edible pods were removed on either one or two occasions at varying developmental stages, remaining pods being left to produce seed. The yield of edible pods increased considerably as pod removal was delayed but subsequent seed yield was reduced. However, depodded plants showed compensatory increases in mean seed weight so that seed yield reduction was less than expected.
Results are discussed in relation to decline in seed moisture content and the dual use of this crop for vegetable pod and seed. It is concluded that dual use is not convenient for large-scale agricultural operations. ‘Pick your own’ programmes utilize the potential of this crop more efficiently than present mechanical harvesting systems.