The Effects of Seed Steam Treatment on Dry Bean Yield and Presence of Pests & Disease

Dry beans (Phaseolus vulgaris) are a high-protein pulse crop that have been grown in the Northeast since the 1800’s. As local foods such as heirloom dry beans are increasingly in demand, there is also an increasing need for agronomic information specific to the production of dry beans in New England. Crops such as dry beans, especially in organic systems, are susceptible to seedborne pathogens that thrive in moist conditions. Foliar diseases like anthracnose have the potential to wipe out an entire crop, and can ruin future crops after the seed is infected. After plant residue or seed is infected, the disease becomes difficult to control. Seedborne diseases are often prevented via conventional fungicides. However, in organic systems, conventional seed treatment is prohibited. Alternative seed treatments that may reduce seedborne disease and are also available for use in organic systems, is a priority. The goal of this project was to evaluate the efficacy of aerated steam treatment to improve dry bean seed quality