Winter bean drilling in the spring

Becky Ward, PGRO principal technical officer, comments on winter bean drilling in the spring and importance of seed testing.

A significant area of winter beans still hasn't been drilled and many growers may be asking whether it is possible to drill winter bean seed in the spring.

It is still practical to do so, but plant density should be increased to between 30 and 40 plants per square metre if possible, as winter beans do not produce additional branches when planted in spring.

If soil conditions continue to be wet, but there is an opportunity to plant winter beans, then consider avoiding planting on the headlands to reduce consolidation.

Previous work at PGRO has shown that comparable yields can be reached in good conditions when winter beans are spring sown on heavier land. On lighter land there may be a reduction in yield to about 80% of that of spring varieties.

Many growers will be considering using their own seed if they are unable to source it elsewhere. They should be aware that following the wet season in 2012, stem and bulb nematode levels in farm-saved seed could be high. Do not to use seed that is infested with stem nematode as this will lead to long-term field problems.

PGRO can carry out the nematode test and other pathogen, pest and seed quality tests are available through the PGRO seed testing laboratory. The plant clinic and advisory service is available throughout the growing season for diagnosis of problems in the field. All enquiries can be made by calling 01780 782585.

It is important to wait for the right conditions for spring sown crops, rather than rushing to get seed into the ground in less than ideal conditions. Crops sown later in good conditions are more likely to succeed than those sown earlier in poor conditions.