Evaluation of some organic materials and a biofertilizer on different aspects of Snap Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) under heavy soil of Sudan

摘要

Snap bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.; cv. Paulista) is introduced recently into Sudan and grownunder variable soils (mainly heavy clays) for export. The crop received no research prior itsadoption, and products always not match with export criteria. This study aimed to evaluate someorganic materials and a biofertilizer, as generally used by farmers, on pests status andperformance of the crop under heavy clay saline soil in Northern Khartoum. Accordingly, two fieldexperiments were conducted (winter 2005/06), using the previous variety. In the first experimentchicken manure (CM) at 0.85 tones/feddan (=0.42ha), was applied alone and in combination with30% neem seed powder. Neem water extract was sprayed at 5 kg/feddan, compared withValerate 20%EC (fenvalerate). The second experiment received three rates of CM (1.00, 0.50and 0.25 tones/feddan) applied singly, or in combination with Rhizobium phaseoli (ENRRI-2)inoculant. However, urea was applied at a half dose (20kg/feddan) combined with neem powderin the first experiment, and a full dose (40kg) in both experiments. The crop showed littleresponse to all fertilizers, and no bacterial nodulation was induced. Consequently, the low insectlevels, root and shoot weights and crop yields almost reflected no significant differences amongtreatments. The fungicide treated snap bean seeds and soil characteristics were suggestedamong the main reasons suppressing the Rhizobium activity and nutrients availability. Thisrendered such areas with problematic soil unsuitable for snap bean, and invited further studies forimprovement.