Mechanical and chemical weed control systems for kidney bean (Phaseolus vulgaris)

Various chemical and mechanical weed control treatments for kidney bean production were evaluated on irrigated, sandy loam sites from 1993 to 1995 near Staples, MN. Weed biomass can be controlled either mechanically or chemically, but a combination of the two gave the most effective and dependable weed control over years. Good weed control by either mechanical or chemical means reduced white mold infection of dry bean because of better aeration of dry bean plants and thus less favorable conditions for infection. Dry bean seed yields were inversely related to weed yields, and weed competition was similar from indigenous stands of either grass or broadleaf weeds. Row cultivation was more effective than rotary hoeing for controlling weeds, reducing white mold infection of dry bean, and increasing dry bean seed yields.