The Effect of Mycorrhizae on Two Varieties of Runner Bean

20 Runner Bean “Streamline” and 20 Runner Bean “Painted Lady” seeds were sown on 7^th August. They were potted into the greenhouse and then hardened off.  They were planted out on 8^th August in 2 circles of loft canes; 10 Streamline and 10 Painted Lady in each circle. One circle was treated on 12^th August.

Results & Observations

The treated plants withstood heavy rain & strong winds much better than the control plants. The roots were stronger and had spread out further. Watering was kept to a minimum and the plants were only fed once.

Conclusion

Over the 3 months of the bean harvest the treated variety produced 57% more beans than the control counter part.  It can be seen from the photos taken in August, September and October that the treated plants were bushier with more leaves, they also started flowering earlier, producing more flowers therefore setting to more beans than the control plants earlier than the control plants (see table above).