Cost of imported proteins see beans grow in popularity
He said 3,900 hectares of beans were grown in 2013; the crop is gaining popularity partly because of the rising price of imported proteins (especially soya), and attractive forward contracts are being offered.
It’s also a good break crop. The Department of Agriculture re-commenced variety trials in 2012 after many years.
In 2012, Fanfare and Fuego significantly outperformed other varieties.
In 2013, when disease pressure was lower, Fanfare was the top performer for the second year in a row, followed by Pyramid, Fuego and Boxer, Pyramid significantly better in 2013 than 2012.
The trial crops were sown between Feb 27 and Apr 4, and harvested between Sep 17 and Oct 11. They were treated with Stomp and Lingo preemergence sprays.
The crop fixes its own nitrogen; 26Kg of P and 111Kg of K/ha were incorporated into the seedbed.
The seeding rate was 40 seeds/square metre, to establish 24-35 plants. Seed was drilled to a depth of 7.5cm and the seedbed was rolled. CT500 and Amistar was applied at flowering, Signum and Karate Zeon followed three weeks later.
Crops were sprayed off with Roundup prior to harvesting.
Initial trail indications are that Fanfare, Pyramid, Fuego and Boxer have potential, but the results must be treated with caution, because it was not a comprehensive trial programme. Untreated crops yielded 22% lower than treated reps which got A two-spray programme in a low disease pressure year.
Other speakers at the Teagasc bean production seminars said topsoil compaction can reduce bean yield by 40%, and the crop is also very sensitive to waterlogging.
