Variability and Sensitivity of Bean Plants to Environmental Factors with Directions for Growth in Solution Culture.
Abstract
Investigations were conducted to determine the optimum growth conditions under which bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L. var. Black Valentine) plants could be grown in solution culture to obtain the most desirable population of test plants combining minimum variability with rapid growth and normal development. Environmental parameters investigated included: temperature, 20, 25, and 30C; concentration of nutrient solution, 0.25-, 0.5-, and 1.0-strength; and aeration versus nonaeration. A total of 14 growth measurements was obtained for each plant. The combination of 25C, 0.5-strength nutrient solution, and solution aeration produced the best population of bean plants. In addition to establishing the optimum combination of growth conditions, the results of this study provided a measure of the variability and sensitivity of various growth measurements under specific combinations of environmental conditions. Fresh weight of tops was found to be the most sensitive response as well as the least variable measurement. Reduction of variability is equivalent to reducing the replications required to assess the effects of a particular treatment. Based on the environmental control facilities available to the investigator, he may use these results to preselect a specific growth measurement of low variability. Conversely, variability of a particular growth response may be reduced by selecting the proper set of environmental factors. Instructions are also given for growth of Black Valentine bean plants in solution culture. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 1971
- Accession Number
- AD0736331
Entities
People
- Andrew R. Templeton
- Robert W. Gesink
- Woodland Hurtt