Effect of pod removal on flower production in french bean (Phaseolus vulgaris)

Abstract

Selective removal of small pods after petal fall had no effect on flower production from pot grown plants of the french bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) cv. Redlands pioneer for the period up to the sixteenth day from the start of flowering. After this time flower production was reduced on plants bearing a restricted number of pods, but where no pods were removed flowering ceased. It is suggested that young pods in which cell division was rapid but cell expansion was slow did not significantly compete with flowers for assimilates. However, when rapid pod expansion started assimilate supply to developing flower buds was drastically reduced causing bud abortion. The significance of this in the field is discussed.