Valutazione di diversi sesti di impianto del fagiolo "Badda"

Two bean ecotypes, termed ‘Badda bianca’ and ‘Badda nera’ according to the seed colour, have been grown since a long time near two villages, Polizzi Generosa and Castellana Sicula in the Madonie mountains (Sicily). An experimental trial was carried out to compare the effects of four different row distances (90, 120, 150 or 180 cm) and three plant densities (2, 4 or 6 plants per hole) on yield, number of seeds per pod, seed weight. Total yields on plots with row spacing of 90, 120, or 150 cm were significantly higher than that on plots with plants spaced 180 cm apart. Yield per plant lowered as plant density increased. Number of seeds per pod and seed weight were not affected by the treatments tested. Vertical training of the plants with a plastic net resulted in a more practical growing approach as compared to trellising with the traditional frame of Arundo donax dry canes.