Influence of Different Population Densities in the Production Performance of Azuki Bean Lines

Abstract

The demand for azuki beans has increased because of its indication to combat diabetes, composition with high levels of phytochemicals, bioactive and phenolic compounds. However, Brazil still cannot supply its demand for azuki beans. Being more studies on management are needed, to maximize the productivity of this culture. The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of different population densities in the production performance of azuki beans lines. The experimental design utilized was randomized blocks arranged in 2 x 3 factorial scheme with four replications. The six evaluated treatments were constituted by the combination between two Azuki bean lines, the L1 line (obtained commercially) and line L2 (obtained from a farmer) and three population densities, 500,000 plants.ha-1 (with spacing of 0.3 m x 0.2 m), 375,000 plants.ha-1 (with spacing of 0.4 m x 0.2 m) and 300,000 plants.ha-1 (with spacing of 0.5 m x 0.2 m) (control treatment). The population density of 500,000 plants.ha-1 provided a higher grain yield when compared to the other population densities, reaching grain yield of 2,223 kg.ha-1. However, we observed the trend that population densities above 500,000 plants.ha-1 could have even greater yields.