Seed treatment and N rate do not impact dry bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) plant growth or grain yield in Ontario

Application of nitrogen fertilizer and commercial seed treatments are two strategies dry bean growers in Ontario utilize to manage root rot and maximize yields. However, data solidifying these practices is absent or outdated. Experiments were conducted at the Huron Research Station, near Exeter, Ontario, from 2008 to 2010, to measure plant growth and yield responses for navy, kidney, and cranberry dry bean market classes (cv. T9905, Pink Panther, and Etna, respectively) to seed treatment (NST, no seed treatment; CMBD, Cruiser Maxx Bean + Dynasty) and N fertilizer rates of 0, 35, 70, 105, 140, and 175 kg N.ha(-1). Plant measurements taken included plant emergence, vigour, height and maturity, plant and seed mass, and grain moisture and yield. Over three years, plant growth and yield responses to seed treatment and nitrogen fertilizer were very scarce. Plant emergence and vigour either improved or were not affected by seed treatment or N rate, while increasing N rates increased plant height of only Pink Panther in 2008. Plant mass was unaffected by either factor while seed treatment decreased days to maturity and grain moisture of T9905 in 2008. Nitrogen fertilizer improved the grain yield of Etna, with the highest yields occurring with 70 kg N.ha(-1) or more, while other cultivar site-years did not respond. Overall, these results demonstrate dry beans rarely respond to N fertilizer or seed treatment at the Huron Research Station. Additional testing over multiple years and locations would assist in predicting these responses.