PHYSIOLOGICAL EFFECTS OF HEAT STRESS ON LIMA BEAN (Phaseolus lunatus) AND DEVELOPMENT OF HEAT TOLERANCE SCREENING TECHNIQUES

摘要

Heat stress reduces yields of May and early June-planted lima beans {Phaseolus lunatus) on the Delmarva Peninsula. High temperatures during flowering reduce or delay pod set and can result in later harvest, lower yield and split sets. We are working to develop heat tolerant baby and Fordhook type lima bean cultivars that are adapted to the Mid-Atlantic Region. Both field and greenhouse screening methods have been used to test inbred lines for heat stress response, but greenhouse screening has been particularly useful in determining the physiological effects of heat stress.