Ecophysiology of six bean varieties under the weather conditions of the Lagunera region

Abstract

In the current situation in the Comarca Lagunera regarding water availability, it is important to consider alternate crops that adapt to the area's weather conditions. Some bean varieties (Phaseolus vulagris L.) are susceptible to drought, which limits the optimum crop development, causing low yields. The main objective of this study was to determine the net photosynthesis rate, transpiration rate, stomatal conductance, and the yield of six bean varieties, as well as their adaptability to the weather conditions of the Comarca Lagunera. The research was conducted at the experimental station of the UAAAN Unidad Laguna, in the autumn-winter 2009 agricultural cycle, using traditional irrigation. The photosynthetic rate, transpiration rate and stomatal conductance were measured using the “photosynthesis system CI 340®”. We also evaluated the yield, which was correlated with the physiological functions measured. The variety that had the highest yield was the Pinto Villa, which also displayed the highest photosynthetic activity, ranking within the group of genotypes with highest stomatal conductance. On the other hand, the Pinto Mestizo variety had the second best yield, although physiological activity of the variables studied was the lowest. Therefore, the Pinto Villa and Pinto Mestizo varieties presented the best adaptability to the weather conditions of the Lagunera region.