Hydric needs of beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) INTA red in conditions of the humid tropic of Nicaragua

Abstract

Climate change has been altering agroecological conditions throughout the world. Latin America is one of the most affected regions, with Nicaragua, Honduras and Haiti being the most vulnerable countries. Part of these effects are noted in the variations of rainfall regimes to the point of touching extremes such as drought and flooding in areas of moderate climate. The risk increases when you know that 90% of the crops in this region depend on the rainfall regime. As an alternative, drought-resistant varieties have been widely evaluated and used, one of which is the variety of beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) INTA Red (EAP 9510-77). The objective of this research is to evaluate the phenological and productive behavior of this legume in conditions of water stress. It will also determine the minimum and maximum amount of water with which the plant does not enter productive loss by means of variable correlations. The investigation was conducted in the municipality of Bocana de Paiwas, in the Caribbean of Nicaragua during the first period of the productive cycle 2018. An average rainfall of 60 mm per month was registered. This study is of an experimental nature and aimed at quantifying the effect of the phenological and productive alterations in the plant of P. vulgaris due to water stress. The Analysis of Variance and Minimum Significant Difference was used with α = 0.05 for the statistical analysis of the recorded data. Treatment five (T5) is the one that allowed the optimal development of the phenological and productive characteristics P. vulgaris. This bean cultivar requires a minimum of 80% and a maximum of 120% of the daily amount of evapotranspiration to avoid losing production due to water stress. From the previous data it is identified that the bean cultivar is highly (0.95) sensitive to variations in soil moisture. In addition, it does not have characteristics of adaptation to drought conditions and / or water stress due to lack of water. More research is required in controlled conditions where environmental and atmospheric variables can be monitored. Other varieties must also be integrated, among them the local of common use.