Final Report for FNE03-457
Project Information
Note to readers, attached is the complete final report for FNE03-457
The goal of this project was to test the tolerance of different bean cultivars to Mexican Bean beetle to identify varieties that produce well under intense pressure from this insect. Six varieties were planted in a randomized block design. Leaf damage was assessed during the middle of the growing season and yield data was collected at harvest.
Bryan found that variety predicted the number of beans, there was no difference in tolerance of the varieties to Mexican Bean beetle based on leaf damage, and that the combination of variety and amount of leaf damage affected the yield of the beans.
Bryan hypothesizes that the top two yielding varieties (Vermont Cranberry and Maine Yelloweye) may not be any more tolerant of Mexican Bean beetle, but they may mature faster or allocate more resources to fruit production, resulting in a higher yield. Bryan will continue to grow Vermont Cranberry and Maine Yelloweye for seed because he feels they perform well for him, despite a great deal of bean beetle damage.