Variety Testing Program: Beans

Evaluate yield and horticultural quality of bean varieties for the Florida industry

Florida ranks first nationally in production, acreage and total fresh market value in snap beans with 37,800 acres. The major production areas are Alachua, Miami-Dade, Palm Beach counties. The majority of Florida's snap bean crop is produced for the fresh market, with only a small percentage destined for processing. Growers relay on new varieties to increase bean yields and quality and to maintain leadership in the USA market. Therefore, a variety trial was conducted in the winter 2010 with 13 bean varieties in two locations, Belle Glade and Myakka City, in cooperation with David Sui (Palm Beach County Extension Services), Eugene McAvoy (Hendry County Extension Service), Crystal Snodgrass (Manatee County) and Richard Raid (UF/IFAS). Preliminary results based in one season indicated yield and color are the most important attributes for Florida bean growers.