Effect of low temperature on number and location of developed seed in two cultivars of French beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.)

Abstract

Seed and pod development for the French bean cv. Redlands Pioneer were both reduced at temperature treatments below 21.0¦C. At temperatures greater than 13.9¦C undeveloped seeds were distributed uniformly within pods, and this was attributed to failure of the female gamete. At 13.9¦C restriction of developed seed to the stigmatic end of the pod was apparent, and below this temperature the number of undeveloped seeds increased significantly, with no seeds developing at 10.0¦C. This cessation appeared to be due to both random failure of the female gamete and inadequate pollen tube growth. Seed development within pods of the cultivars Redlands Pioneer and Tweed Wonder was compared at 12.0¦C. Tweed Wonder performed significantly better, and this was attributed to greater cold tolerance of both male and female gametes.