MECHANICAL AND CHEMICAL WEED-CONTROL SYSTEMS FOR KIDNEY BEAN (PHASEOLUS-VULGARIS)

Various chemical and mechanical weed control treatments for kidney bea n production were evaluated on irrigated, sandy loam sites from 1993 t o 1995 near Staples, MN. Weed biomass can be controlled either mechani cally or chemically, but a combination of the two gave the most effect ive and dependable weed control over years. Good weed control by eithe r mechanical or chemical means reduced white mold infection of dry bea n because of better aeration of dry bean plants and thus less favorabl e conditions for infection. Dry bean seed yields were inversely relate d to weed yields, and weed competition was similar from indigenous sta nds of either grass or broadleaf weeds. Row cultivation was more effec tive than rotary hoeing for controlling weeds, reducing white mold inf ection of dry bean, and increasing dry bean seed yields.