Evaluation of the biennial performance of Dolichos lablab L. in protected cultivation

Research was conducted over two seasons (1997-98 and 1998-99) to determine the productive potential of green pods during the first and the second year plants, studying two different sowing dates and using a local accession of the botany variety albiflorus D.C. of Dolichos lablab L. (Egyptian bean). Cropping was done in a sandy loam soil under a glasshouse. Sowing was done in mid-September and mid-December 1997 in trays with peat. Harvesting began in March and April 1998 respectively in the first season, and in November 1998 (in both sowing dates) in the second season. The pods were harvested in an immature state twice a week and then counted and weighed. The accumulated autumn-winter-spring yields were higher with the second-year plants, but later yields were similar to those of the one-year old plants, and in both cases very high, up to 4.76 kg per plant. No significant differences in average pod weight were detected between both types of plants in study. The autumn-winter yields were higher with the earliest sowings.