Influence of hydro-priming duration on field performance of pinto bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) cultivars

A factorial experiment (using RCB design) with 3 replications was conducted in 2008, in order to evaluate the effects of hydro-priming duration (P1, P2, P3 and P4: 0, 7, 14 and 21 h, respectively) on field performance of three pinto bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) cultivars (Talash, COS16 and Khomain). The highest seedling establishment, ground cover, plant biomass and grain yield per unit area were recorded for P2 followed by P3. Mean chlorophyll content index of Talash was significantly higher than that of COS16 and Khomain. Ground cover, plant biomass, pods per plant, grains per plant and grain yield per unit area of COS16 and Talash were significantly higher than those of Khomain, but 1000 grain weight of Khomain was higher than that of other cultivars. Ground cover positively correlated with plant biomass, pods per plant, grains per pod, grains per plant, harvest index and grain yield per unit area. Thus, it can be used as a reliable index to estimate the yield potential of pinto bean cultivars. No significant interaction of priming duration × cultivar indicated that optimal time of hydro-priming for all pinto bean cultivars is 7 h.