EFFECT OF TILLAGE PRACTICE AND PLANTING PATTERN ON PERFORMANCE OF WHITE BEAN (PHASEOLUS-VULGARIS L) IN ONTARIO

The effect of tillage system on planting pattern and cultivar choice o f white bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) was evaluated in 1990 and 1991. I n one experiment: white bean cv. OAC Gryphon was sown in three differe nt planting patterns; rows 20 cm apart and 375 000 seeds ha(-1), 40 cm apart and 375 000 seeds ha(-1) and 76 cm apart and 250 000 seeds ha(- 1). This cultivar was grown under chisel ploughing and no-till. No int eraction (tillage x planting pattern) was detected in either year. The re were no significant differences in seed yields, total aboveground d ry matter or leaf area index (LAI) between tillage systems and no inte raction of year x tillage system. In 1990, yield increased where white bean was planted in 20 cm rows versus 40 cm rows; however, there was no significant effect of planting pattern on total aboveground dry mat ter or LAI. In 1991, total aboveground dry matter and LAI increased wi th decreasing row width. In a second experiment, the interaction effec ts between tillage system and seven cultivars of white bean were evalu ated. Regardless of the tillage system used, the performances of two c ultivars (OAC Gryphon and OAC Laser) were consistent within the 2 year s of our study. It appears that the choice of cultivars of white bean may depend more on yield potential, disease resistance and adaptation to a particular region than the tillage system to be used.