Well-chosen fields can result in fewer insect, weed, and disease pests as well as better bean seed yields and quality. Consider the information below when evaluating a field for dry bean production. For additional information, refer to:
- Blackeye bean production in California, Publication 21518. (PDF)
- Common dry bean production in California, ANR Publication 8402. (PDF)
- Garbanzo bean (chickpea) production in California, ANR publication 8634. (PDF)
- Lima bean production in California, ANR Publication 8505. (PDF)
Previous Pest And Cropping History
Avoid using fields that have recently had bean or other crops with high pest pressure from lygus bugs, mites, leafminers, seedling diseases, charcoal rot, white mold, nematodes, or problematic weeds, as they may harbor pests that will harm future bean crops.
Adjacent Crop Or Fallow Areas
Determine if there are adjacent fields with alfalfa, cotton, safflower, weedy fallow areas, or other crops with potential bean pests nearby that could act as a source of migrating pests. Cotton and safflower are known to harbor lygus bugs, while alfalfa can be a source of lygus bugs, armyworms, cutworms, darkling beetles, cowpea aphids, and alfalfa mosaic virus.
Agronomic Information
Check the varieties, planting dates, harvest dates, and yields of previous bean crops planted in the field in order to determine if the field has supported successful bean production in the past.
Soil And Water
- Sample soil for root knot nematodes. Before planting beans, have a private lab service assay soil samples for nematodes if they have been a problem in a previous crop.
- Choose soil types and irrigation method to maximize production and minimize pest problems and nutrient imbalances.
- Refer to production manuals for more information (see links in first paragraph).
Continuous Cropping
Although continuous cropping is not recommended, if one bean crop must follow another, treat any weed infestations before planting (see SPECIAL WEED PROBLEMS), and use treated seed if the field has soil pathogens. Crop rotation should be implemented or resumed as soon as possible after continuous cropping.
Avoid using fields that are severely infested with the following weeds or diseases:
| Weeds | Diseases |
|---|---|
| annual morning glory | charcoal rot pathogens |
| field bindweed | seedling disease pathogens |
| nightshades | white mold pathogens |
| nutsedges |