POSTHARVEST EVALUATION OFINTRODUCED FRENCH BEAN (Phaseolus vulgarisL.) VARIETIES

Abstract

French beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) are major export vegetables in Kenya. New varieties introduced from temperate countries need to be tested for adaptability to local conditions as well as their postharvest characteristics to ascertain that they meet the export standards. Three introduced varieties(R-1516, R-1515 and Lexus) were evaluated for their performance at KARI Thika. The snap beans were grown and harvested in long rains season of 2001. The plants were grown in rows following agronomic recommendations. The pods were harvested when mature at a frequency of 3 times per week, graded and weighed in a general laboratory. Random samples of 2 kg per grade from each variety were taken on the same day and taken to the postharvest laboratory for evaluation. Parameters recorded included number of pods per plant, pod length, pod diameter, seed size, colour of pods, pod appearance, shape and curvature, incidence of fibre, and yield (kg per ha). Variety R-1516 had the highest number of pods followed by R-1515 and Lexus in that order. There was no significant difference in yield, although all the varieties gave an acceptable higher yield compared to the local check (Amy). All the snap beans evaluated had acceptable green pod colour, pod length, pod diameter, pod appearance, seed size, and fibre content. All the introduced varieties can therefore be recommended for production since the pods met the export standards.