wk 10 - Bean and Peas

Bean and Pea Production - Lecture Notes

Overview

  • Course: Hort 320 - Bean and Pea Production

  • Instructor: Sarah Dohle

  • Research Institutions: UC Davis and CIAT Field Evaluations

  • Objectives: Understanding bean and pea production, breeding progress, and marker development.

Graduate Student Bean Research

  • Conducted at UC Davis and CIAT

  • Field Evaluations: Diverse germplasm in Davis, CA and nematode field evaluations at Kearney Research Station, CA

  • Outreach and Education:

    • Presentations to grower talks on breeding progress and marker development

    • Lima bean SSR marker development in Davis, CA

    • Lima yield trials

    • Dry bean planting

    • Master Gardener plant breeding program

Types of Legumes

  • Legumes include: beans, peas, lupine, clover, etc.

  • Symbiotic Relationship with Soil Microbes:

    • Legumes form a relationship for nitrogen fixation, contributing to the fertility of soil.

  • Coevolution:

    • High protein plants resulted from the coevolution of legumes and soil microbes.

    • Nitrogen is a fundamental building block for amino acids, which form proteins.

  • Advantages of Legume Cultivation:

    • Leaves and seeds have high feed value due to nitrogen content.

    • Crop residue leaves organic nitrogen in the field, improving soil fertility.

    • Optimal conditions: legume + microbe + soil with correct pH leads to a healthy food system.

    • Emphasizes the economical, environmental, and time-saving benefits of growing and consuming legumes.

Bean and Pea Production Details

Legume Classification

  • Beans (Phaseolus):

    • Types: Dry beans (pinto, black, kidney, heirloom, etc.), Snap/green beans (fresh, processed).

  • Peas (Pisum):

    • Types: Seed (grain), green (fresh, processed), yellow (dried), pods (fresh, processed).

    • Varieties include sugar snap, snow peas, animal feed, plant-based protein, pea shoots, specialty.

Production Statistics

  • Dry Bean Production in Tons:

    • Top producers: India, Brazil, Myanmar, Tanzania, China, USA, Uganda, Kenya.

  • References for Production: FAO statistics for the top 20 producers, indicating trends in agricultural outputs.

Bean Domestication and Dispersal

  • Domestication Events:

    • Mesoamerican domestication occurred approximately 8,000 years ago.

    • Andean domestication also around 8,000 years ago with divergence from wild populations occurring ~165,000 years ago.

  • Genetic Research:

    • Numerous studies (e.g., Schmutz 2014, Castro Guerrero 2016) indicate genetic divergence and domestication history, including genetic variance among wild and domesticated beans.

Cultivation Practices

  • General Practices:

    • Rhizobia inoculation, monitoring soil pH, low nitrogen, and potassium levels, medium phosphorous addition.

    • Sensitive to Manganese (Mn) deficiency—address with soil tests and appropriate amendments.

  • Irrigation Needs:

    • Drip irrigate approximately 1 inch weekly, particularly from seed until bean pods turn yellow; adjustments made based on rainfall.

    • Note: For limited water, consider growing tepary beans (drought-tolerant).

  • Planting Considerations:

    • Timing for planting beans from May 15–June 1 when soil temperatures reach 55°F and above; spacing is crucial (2–4 inches apart in rows, 18–36 inches between rows).

  • Harvesting Guidelines:

    • Timing noted for late August-September, with ideal seed moisture at 15-18%.

    • Techniques include windrowing or direct cutting.

  • Post-harvest Handling:

    • Important to reduce seed moisture below 13% for long-term storage and avoid seed cracking.

Marketing and Economic Considerations

  • Price Range for Direct-to-Consumer Sales: $2-$6 per pound.

  • Contracts for Bulk Sales: Production contracts and wholesale markets are essential; specialty and heirloom varieties are in high demand.

  • Overall Market Classes: Pinto, navy, black, kidney beans—each following established grading standards.

Snap Bean Production Insights

  • Regions: Wisconsin, New York, Florida, although Oregon (OR) and Michigan (MI) exhibit the highest yield per acre, while California (CA) has the highest product value.

  • Grades & Standards:

    • Refer to Agricultural Marketing Service for legitimacy in marketing practices and product classifications.

Pea Cultivation and Characteristics

  • Origin & Diversity:

    • Pisum sativum cultivars originated from Ethiopia, Mediterranean, and central Asia with ~8,500 years of cultivation history.

  • Production Insights:

    • Fourth largest dry pea producer globally, leading states include Montana, North Dakota, and Washington.

Quality Control and Marketing

  • Primary Markets for Peas:

    • Green pea (fresh or packed), Snow pea, Sugar snap pea, and pea shoots—all targeting niche markets for high-quality produce.

  • Storage Guidelines:

    • Store fresh produce under specific conditions to retain flavor and prevent spoilage; importance of immediate cooling and appropriate humidity levels is highlighted.

References

  • Compilation of research and extension publications, specific focus on agricultural practices highlighted throughout the notes.