Snap Bean Variety Evaluations On Yields and Postharvest Quality In Florida

Florida ranks first nationally in the production, acreage and total value of fresh market snap beans with approximately 52% of the total U.S. market with 32, 800 acres valued at $172 million.  Today the bean industry not only demands high yield, but also requires deep green color as the most favorable characteristics.  Therefore, the objective of this trial was to update existing Florida snap bean variety recommendations. A bush-type snap bean variety trial was conducted in sandy soil (Myakka City, FL.). Beans were planted in fall on 5 Oct. 2010 with double rows, 3” between plants and 10” between rows. Data collection consisted of total marketable and unamarketable yields, pod size (length and width), fresh pod weight, color and percent brix.  Weather conditions during the trials were cold to cool. During December 2010, there were four freeze events on 7-Dec-10, 8-Dec-10, 14-Dec-10 and 15-Dec-10, but pods were not affected.  Only the top of the bush was damaged.   Snap beans ‘Ambra’, ‘Bronco’, ‘Carlo’, ‘Dusky’, ‘Eureka’ and ‘Prevail’ had the highest yields, but not the deepest green color, a desirable bean quality by the market. Higher yields in ‘Ambra’, ‘Bronco’, ‘Dusky’, and ‘Prevail’ were due to higher fresh pod weight and width. There were no differences in pod length and brix among varieties.  Based on yield and color, no single variety outperformed the others in the most favorable categories. However, a grower may want to choose a variety based on his/her individual needs.