Coloured Beans in Ontario

Agdex#:	140/10
Publication Date:	05/88
Order#:	88-092
Last Reviewed:	08/09
History:	Replaces Factsheet "Kidney Beans in Ontario" August 1981
Written by:	John R. Heard - OMAF; R.E. Forrest - Centralia College of Agricultural Technology; G.R. Ablett - Ridgetown College of Agricultural Technology

Table of Contents

1. Coloured Bean Types
   • Kidney Beans
   • Cranberry Beans
   • Other Bean Types
2. Soil Type and Fertilization
3. Seed Treatment
4. Soil Preparation and Planting
5. Seeding Rate and Row Spacing
6. Weed Control
7. Insects and Diseases
8. Harvesting
9. Marketing
10. Stabilization

Many types of field beans are grown in Ontario. White or navy beans account for the largest acreage, but many types of coloured beans are also grown. Coloured bean production is concentrated in Middlesex, Huron, Oxford, Kent and Elgin counties, with additional acreage in Perth. Brunt, Norfolk and Lambton counties.

Coloured beans are susceptible to bacterial and fungal diseases similar to those that attack white beans. Most of these diseases are more serious under conditions of high rainfall, and humidity They can attack foliage, stems and pods, reducing both yield and seed quality Rains following seed set can result in renewed vegetative growth, especially if the crop has been under moisture stress during flowering. This new growth can result in additional sets of blossorns forming. These late blossoms rarely produce mature seed before inclement fall weather sets in.

Coloured Bean Types

There are several types or market classes of coloured beans that are grown in Ontario. They can differ substantially in size, shape and colouration, although very similar production practices are used for each type (Figure 1).

Kidney Beans

This is the largest market class grown in Ontario, accounting for approximately 75% of the acreage. There are three main types of kidney beans grown in Ontario: light red, dark red, and white. Light red kidneys have a bush plant-type with large seeds (50-65 g/100 seeds). They tend to be the highest yielding type of kidney beans and range in maturity from slightly earlier to up to 10 days later in maturity than Ex Rico 23 white beans, depending on the cultivar. Sacramento and Red Kloud light red kidneys are early in maturity while California and Mecosta tend to be later. Dark red kidney beans also have a bush plant-type with seed usually slightly smaller than light red kidneys. They are usually a few days later in maturity than Ex Rico 23 white beans. Common cultivars are California, Montcalm, Charlevoix and Royal Red. The least grown kidney is the white kidney. These also have a bush plant-type with seed size similar to dark red kidneys. They tend to be similar in maturity to the latest light red kidney cultivars. White kidneys can have a tendency to become damaged or "off-colour" when harvest is delayed because of wet weather.

Figure 1. Field beans are classified into various types (market classes), based on size, shape, and shade and pattern of colour of beans.

In the figure above, from left to right:

1. Top row- OAC Seaforth, Harokent. Harofleet, Steuben vellow-eye.
2. Second row- small white pea bean, pinto. red Mexican, pink
   
3. Third row- dark red kidney, light red kidney. white kidney, small white
4. Fourth row- great northern, cranberry, black, white marrow
   
5. Fifth row- Jacob's cattle, brown. light brown, snap bean type
   
   

Information taken from Agriculture Canada.

Cranberry Beans

The next most common type of coloured bean grown is the cranberry which currently occupies about 20% of the market. The cranberry plant is a short bush-type with often less vegetation than kidney beans. Seed size is somewhat smaller than kidney beans, ranging from40-50 g/100 seeds. Mature seeds are pink to variegated red on a background of cream to buff. The major cultivar is Titylor Hort,
although others such as Cranberry UI50 and UI51 are available.

Other Bean Types

Black beans are occasionally grown in Ontario depending upon the ability to get a reliable market. Black beans are similar in size and shape to white beans. The plant type is a tall erect bush which matures about the same time as Ex Rico 23 white beans. Yields have consistently been the highest of any coloured bean types in comparative tests. Major cultivars are T 39 and Midnight.

Brown beans are similar to Ex Rico 23 in maturity with seed sizes similar to, or slightly smaller than, cranberry beans. Pinto beans are also similar to Ex Rico 23 in maturity but with a semi-viney plant type. Seed size is similar to the cranberry bean but is somewhat flatter with squared-off ends. Seeds have a brown variegated pattern on a light brown background. Other bean types grown include great northerns, pinks, adzuki beans and yellow-eyes.

For further information on coloured bean types, refer to Publication 1787/E from Agriculture Canada, Growing Field Beans in Canada.

Soil Type and Fertilization

Well-drained clay loam, loam, or sandy loam soils with a high percentage of organic matter are most suitable for coloured bean production. A rotation where beans are grown not more than once in three years is essential to avoid build-up of diseases and insects. Soybeans, canola or sunflowers are not optimal rotation crops since they are susceptible to white mold (sclerotinia) and may increase the risk of this disease in succeeding bean crops.

High yields are usually produced when beans follow a well manured legume sod. Beans are particularly sensitive to certain herbicide residues such as atrazine. For this reason, extreme care must be used in applying herbicides to any crop that is to precede a bean crop. Soils high in fertility are necessary for optimum coloured bean production. Unlike many field crops, field beans do not often respond to direct application of fertilizers. High levels of fertility should be maintained by application of adequate amounts of fertilizer to all crops in the rotation.

Phosphate and potash fertilizer needs for coloured bean production are similar to those for white beans and should be determined by a soil test. Refer to OMAF Publication 296, Field Crop Recommendations, for current fertilizer recommendations.

Fertilizer may be plowed down, worked in before planting, or banded with the planter provided that the fertilizer is placed in bands 5 cm to the side and 5 cm below the seed. DO NOT PLACE FERTILIZER IN DIRECT CONTACT WITH SEED. Field beans are legumes, and under optimal conditions will biologically fix a major portion of their nitrogen requirements. After a legume sod, no nitrogen is required in the fertilizer, otherwise 5 to 10 kg/ha is recommended.

When coloured bean yields have been low due to bronzing, low soil organic matter, poor soil structure or root rots, broadcast and work into the soil an additional 100 kg/ha of nitrogen before planting. Under these conditions, nitrogen will increase yield but will not cure the bronzing or root rot (Figure 2).

Figure 2. Yield Response of Kidney Beans to Nitrogen on two soils

Seed Treatment

Seed treatments are used to protect coloured beans from seed corn maggots, wireworms and seed decay organisms. Diazinon is used to control seed corn maggots. Lindane controls wireworms. A fungicide such as captan or thiram is used to protect the seed from decay-causing organisms. Seed that may be infected with Anthracnose should be treated with the fungicide thiophanate-methyl
which is used in seed treatments with as DCT.

Drill-box formulations of insecticide-fungicide mixtures are available, and should be used if the seed has not already been treated. Always follow instructions on the label when applying pesticides. The application of the insecticides alone may result in reduced germination. Seeds should not be treated with insecticides more than three months before planting as this will reduce germination. Seed treatments containing insecticides are most necessary in the first two years following sod crops.

Soil Preparation and Planting

Soil preparation should begin in mid-May to allow for some preplant cultivation and for the incorporation of certain herbicides. To ensure rapid and uniform emergence, the seed should be placed in warm. moist soil at a depth of 2 to 4 centimetres.

Beans are sensitive to soil compaction. Compacted soil restricts root growth, increases oxygen stress caused by excessive water. and increases the susceptibility of the plant to root rot. To minimize compaction, reduce secondary tillage to the minimum required to prepare a firm level seedbed, and avoid working the soil when wet.

Excessive secondary tillage of poorly structured soils may also lead to surface crusting after heavy rains. Coloured beans can be planted from late May to mid-June, depending on the cultivar maturity and the CHU area. Select a cultivar of a maturity that will allow harvesting during favourable weather by mid-September. In areas of greater heat units, quality crops have been harvested in mid-October.

Other major factors determining planting date are the weather and soil conditions in the spring. Beans should be planted when soil moisture is adequate and the temperature is warm enough to ensure rapid emergence of the crop. If May is cool and damp, delay planting into June to avoid slow emergence or crusting, since weak emerging plants will be more susceptible to further stress.

Seeding Rate and Row Spacing

For conventional practices of pulling. windrowing and combining with a pickup attachment, standard row widths are 70-75 cm. Narrower row widths can increase field potential; however, yield losses from direct-harvesting can be high and diseases such as white mold can become more severe.

For kidney beans and cranberry beans, seeding rates of between 65-75 kg/ha of viable seed are recommended. For kidney beans in 70 em rows, this equates to 10-13 seeds per metre of row. These rates will usually result in the highest yields. Higher seeding rates with light red kidney beans have not shown any yield advantage but do increase the chances of white mold. Seeding rates for other coloured bean types differ and should be discussed with the local dealers.

Weed Control

Weeds not only reduce yields, but also make harvesting more difficult. A combination of chemical and mechanical weed control is often used to control weeds in field beans.

Cultivation of the seedbed just prior to planting often helps to reduce weed populations. After the crop is seeded, a rotary hoe can be used to eliminate emerging weed seedlings. The stand of beans may be reduced somewhat; however, most bean types have considerable capacity to compensate, providing seeding rates have been adequate. In beans grown in wide rows, inter-row cultivation can assist in the control of weed escapes. With beans grown in narrow rows. however, the emphasis must be on chemical control. as the opportunity for inter-row cultivation does not exist. Beans should not be cultivated when the foliage is wet from dew or rain, as bacterial blight can easily be spread through the field under these conditions. The cultivator should be adjusted to hill the row by about 5 cm, and to centre the trough between the rows. This will greatly simplify the pulling operation.

A broad range of herbicides are available for white. snap and kidney beans, to assist in the control of annual grasses and broadleaf weeds, as well as nutsedge and some perennials. Many of these can be applied as hand applications over the row, as well as over all sprays. A good knowledge of the various herbicides and proper spraying techniques is essential. Combinations of two or more herbicides may be necessary for broad spectrum weed control in narrow row beans, whereas inter-row cultivation can augment chemicals where beans are grown in traditional row widths. For up-to-date information on herbicide recommendations for white, snap and kidney beans, consult the current edition of Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food Publication 75, Guide to Weed Control.

Insects and Diseases

The insect and disease problems of coloured beans are quite similar to those of white beans. Refer to the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food Factsheets, and the current edition of Publication 296, Field Crop Recommendations.

The most severe insect damage, especially to early maturing beans. in hot city weather, may be from the potato leafhopper. The leafhopper sucks juices from the plant and injects a toxin contained in its saliva, which causes leaves to curl tightly and edges to turn yellowish and brown. This "hopper burn', when severe, will result in stunted plants and reduced yields. Early maturing kidney bean cultivars appear to suffer more damage from leafhoppers than full-season cultivars. For information on control and
economic thresholds of the leafhopper. refer to Publication 296. Field Crop Recommendations.

Harvesting

Coloured beans, like white beans, are ready for harvest when the pods are dry and the seeds are firm. Ideally beans should be harvested at 18%, moisture. Because of the large seed of many coloured bean types, chipping of seed coats and splitting of seeds can be a problem, especially at low moisture levels. At high moisture Ievels, dirt may be ground into the seed coats, resulting in permanent discolouration. High moisture beans of large seeded types are also very difficult to dry without injury to the seed coat.

Beans planted in wide rows are usually harvested with a puller that cuts the plants 3 to 5 cm below the soil surface, and pulls the plants from two adjacent rows into one row. lb prevent pod drop and shattering losses, beans should be pulled early in the morning when the plants are damp with dew, and tough. Two or more of these puller rows are gathered together to form one larger windrow, to improve harvester efficiency. This windrawing process involves lifting the plants from the soil surface, allowing dirt and stones to be separated. The plants are then placed in a loosely woven windrow: which speeds drying (Figure 3). When dried sufficiently, the beans are threshed with a pickup-equipped combine.

Since prolonged exposure of the mature crop to excessive moisture will result in lowered quality, it is important to harvest the crop as soon as it is possible to do so. For the same reason, it is also important to minimize the time between pulling and combining. Some coloured beans, notably the kidney and black bean types, will withstand more adverse weather than white kidney or white navy beans. However, the kidney beans. being larger-seeded. will absorb more moisture after a rain, and will require more time to dry down to harvestable moisture.

Figure 3. Pulling and windrowing edible beans

Narrow row beans are harvested with a combine equipped with a flexible floating cutter bar. The head must be adjusted to allow clipping the bean plants as close to the ground as possible. This will help to minimize the caning of low-hanging pods, and associated seed loss. It is important that the plants be quickly moved into the threshing unit, to prevent shattering of pods on the sickle bar. Specialized air reels are available to assist in moving the crop over the knife. These work best in weed-free environments, with uniformly ripe beans. Alternatively, sections of flat belt material attached to a conventional pickup reel can be used. Although some header loss is inevitable, better seed quality may often be realized, because of reduced weather damage, and the smaller amount of soil that accompanies the beans through the combine.

It is important that the combine operator monitor the threshing operation closely as the day progresses. Cylinder speed and concave clearance will have to be adjusted periodically, as the moisture level of the crop changes. Many options and modifications are available for combines that will result in complete threshing with minimum seed damage. Consult the combine Operators Manual or the equipment dealer. Special multiple-cylinder combines are also available for large-seeded beans, like kidney beans, for better quality of the threshed beans (Figure 4).

Figure 4. An edible-bean combine

Uneven, or delayed maturity. and the presence of secondary vegetative growth on otherwise mature plants can cause considerable difficulty at harvest Juices squeezed out of green plant material entering a combine can cementsoil to the surface of the beans. Immature seeds, high in moisture, can increase overall moisture content of the crop and lead to spoilage, and reduced quality. Uneven maturity may be caused by a number of factors. Uneven emergence due to insufficient moisture. uneven planting depth or poor seed quality may be responsible. Compaction, or herbicide injury may also be involved. Secondary vegetative growth is often the result of some degree of moisture stress during flowering, followed by showers after pod set. Uneven maturity can be minimized by avoiding soil compaction, and planting high quality seed at a uniform depth into adequate moisture. Use the proper rates of recommended herbicides, and avoid overlaps. Very little can be done to prevent the production of unwanted secondary vegetative growth. If green plant material is present along with mature pods, some action ought to be taken to hasten the drying of the immature plant parts. If the weather appears favourable, pulling and allowing the plants to remain in the windrow for several days can be effective. Alternatively desiccation may be considered, It very seldom pays to wait for the second set of blossoms to produce mature pods. In the interim, the first set of pods may suffer considerable weathering damage. The delayed harvest will most often coincide with cold wet fall weather, increasing the risk of complete crop loss.

Marketing

Coloured beans are mainly grown under contract to local dealers. The market price is often agreed upon prior to the planting of the crop. Specifies of contracts often vary between dealers regarding market price and the percent of the crop contracted. The crop is sold on a basis of 181 moisture and deductions are made for beans containing more than 181 moisture to allow for shrinkage and the cost of drying. Deductions are also made for pick, which includes beans that are large, immature, split, discoloured, or diseased, as well as foreign material such as stones and mud.

Stabilization

Coloured beans are eligible for support under a National Tripartite Stabilization program established and supported by federal and provincial governments and growers. The program stabilizes prices to reduce income Last by producers from market risks. Participation is voluntary and producers must enroll and pay a premium.