Propagation of beans in school gulayan

BEANS are semi temperate legumes that provides good amount of proteins and vitamins.

In school gulayan, beans are usually favored because of its simplicity in both planting and harvesting.

The scientific name of the common bean is Phaseolus vulgaris L. Local farmers usually classify beans into seating or climbing beans and when planted requires reasonable amount of nitrogen for a better harvest.

Commercial fertilizers or complete as they say contains certain percentages of Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium. Nitrogen develops the leaves, phosphorus is for the roots and trunks while potassium increases flower production. These three elements must be delivered to the soil to be absorbed by the roots or to be sprayed in the leaves. Because these elements are being mined and sold commercially, it is often mix with some additives for viability and preservation.

Hence, additives are often the culprits for acidic soils. Beans cannot tolerate too much soil acidity. It may result to sickly leaves or roots, reduces harvest and even harbors the propagation of harmful microorganisms.

It is for these reason that commercial fertilizers are not supported in school gulayan. Natural fertilizers like chicken, cow or goat manure and plant composts are recommended.

However natural fertilizers do not guaranty a one hundred percent acid free soil. It may also contain natural acid sometimes balancing the pH of the soil by adding base compounds are not effective. Therefore, one must find acid tolerant plants.

In a study conducted by Gutierrez and Barraquio (2010) entitled “Acid -Tolerant Rhizobia of Phaseolus vulgaris L. from the Intensively Cropped Soils of La Trinidad, Benguet, PHilippines” found out that there are some varieties or strains of beans particularly Rhizobium etli has the potential to become acid tolerant. Hence if these strains of beans will be propagated and reproduce, then we will have no problem with acidic soils be it source out from commercial fertilizers or from natural ones.

The conclusion was based from phenotypic and genotypic analysis. Phenotype refers to the physical structure of the beans like color of leaves, height, roots, character of the peas and the likes. While genotype refers to the genetic structure of the bean.

sizing that beneficial nematodes only attack soil dwelling insects like pest bugs and grubs and leave plants and earthworms alone. She stated that application was good early in the morning or late afternoon when soil temperature is not that high and usually done during dry season.

The first site is the predatory mites which were set up in front of the HORTI office. The participants were able to see the predators clearly using the microscope. Magnifying lenses were also used to see other pests on strawberry plants. The next location was at the Biocon Laboratory where demonstration of rearing beneficial nematodes was clearly introduced. Also the participants were given chances to look into the microscope for clearer pictures of the nematodes. The last destination was at the greenhouse where procedures of using trichoderma to treat soil borne diseases were introduced to participants. AMKimeu