The Impact of Low Temperatures on Plant Growth in Some Common Bean Genotypes

Abstract

In plant production, when the plant is exposed to any biotic and abiotic stress during the process from planting to harvest, a deficiency is observed in plant growth. Especially in plants with high temperature requirements, low temperatures lead to damages in plant shoots and roots. Thus, the present study aimed to determine low temperature tolerant bean genotypes in order to provide convenience for the producers and researchers. Among 21 bean genotypes exposed to low temperature stress, plant fresh and dry weight, stem diameter, plant height, leaf number and area, leaf relative water content, membrane damage index and ion (K and Ca) content were determined. Bean seeds were sown in 2-liter pots containing 2: 1 peat + perlite mixture, and 2 plants per pot. The plants that were exposed to low temperature stress were sown in a high tunnel on March 15, when the external temperatures were low, and irrigated with water containing Hoagland nutrient solution. When the bean seedlings were 20 days old, the half of pots were removed from the high tunnel and exposed to low temperatures outside for 20 days. On the 40th day, the experiment was terminated, and it was determined that the genotypes C19, C18, and C30 beside cv. Yakutiye were resistant to low temperature stress, while the genotypes A90, A97, A67, and C13 beside cv. Zulbiye were susceptible to low temperature stress.