Bean Production

Bean Production

David Sparks Ph.D.
David Sparks Ph.D.
Dr. Mark Brick, Professor of Plant Breeding and Genetics at Colorado State University discussed the vulnerability of conventional dry beans to negative conditions during harvest. Today he offers a solution.

Visual appearance is really important. How do we reduce the potential for that seat to get damaged. Each step in this harvesting process has the potential to decrease yields by shattering of the bean seeds. Additionally, while beans are drying in the fields they remain exposed to the weather, which can discolor seeds, damage yields or even ruin the crop completely.

One way to avoid this is to breed a bean that is upright. Bean plants with upright architecture, such as Long's Peak, can be direct-harvested using a combine-harvester. This one-step harvesting process saves time and fuel. It also increases yield by reducing shattering of bean seeds, and reduces the risk of damage through exposure to adverse weather. They are also going to be a better tasting, nutritious better product, all the way around. There is a new variety of upright pinto bean called Long's Peak.

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