Abstract:
The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of intra-row spacing on growth of French bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) in Maseno Division, Kenya. The study was carried out at Maseno University Horticultural Farm. Intra-row spacing of 10, 15, 20 and 30 cm were evaluated in a randomized complete block design. Growth parameters of plant height, leaf number and branch number were measured on a weekly basis starting two weeks after sowing up to the sixth week. Leaf area and plant dry weight were measured once at six weeks after sowing. The data was subjected to Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and differences declared significant at 5% level. Increasing intra-row spacing from 10 to 15 to 20 cm resulted in significant (p<0.05) increase in all the growth parameters that were measured except plant height. Increasing the spacing further to 30 cm between plants resulted in significant decrease in growth rate. Although intra-row spacing of 20 cm produced the highest growth rate, cost benefit analysis could be ideal to justify its recommendation over intra-row spacing of 15 cm.
