Improving cultivation practices for common beans

Description

The common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) is perhaps the world’s most important, and the most widely cultivated grain legume. It serves as a food security crop and meets more than 50% of household dietary protein requirements, especially in sub-Saharan Africa. In addition, common bean contributes to household cash income, and is believed to play a significant role in the management of human health, particularly reduction of blood cholesterol levels and combating heart diseases, cancers and diabetes. However, its productivity is poor in most of the major growing regions. This chapter examines the major production constraints and how these can be addressed to improve productivity, from an integrated crop management (ICM) perspective. In particular, cropping system, integrated pest management, major pests and diseases and control strategies, water management, integrated nutrient management, liming, and foliar fertilization are discussed.

Table of contents

1 Introduction to the common bean: origin, domestication and economic importance 2 World production trends 3 Production constraints 4 Cropping system 5 Integrated pest management 6 Management of diseases 7 Water management 8 Nutrient management: phosphorus (P) and nitrogen (N) 9 Nutrient management: further issues 10 Conclusion 11 Where to look for further information 12 Abbreviations and acronyms 13 References