Commercial Production of Snap Beans in Mississippi
Snap beans, green beans, string beans, and pop beans are all names for beans that we eat the pods and the seeds.
Soil
Snap beans grow best in Mississippi on well- to moderately well-drained sandy loam and silt loam soils. Add a subsoil when needed to break up hardpan or plowsole. The pH of the soil should be between 6.0 and 6.5. A green manure crop (e.g., small grain) plowed under before planting snap beans benefits the crop.
Rotation
A 3- to 4-year rotation that excludes other legume crops is advised to prevent the buildup of root rots. Corn, sorghum, and small grains are good rotation crops.
Varieties
Eagle--57 days, round pods, white seed, local use.Gator Green--55 days, round pods; yields well under unfavorable conditions.
Kentucky Wonder--125 to 155 days, flat pod, pole.
Processors often specify variety.
Seedbed Preparation
Turn soil, disk thoroughly, and smooth before planting. Establish beds if soil is not well- drained and the crop is to be hand-harvested.
Seed and Seeding
Seed quality is a major step in getting a good stand. Buy seeds from a reputable source. Western-grown seeds are more likely to be free of seed-borne diseases.The amount of seed required per acre varies according to seed weight, spacing, and germination percentage. About 70 to 100 pounds per acre are needed. Sow 8 to 10 seeds per foot to a depth of 3/4 to 1 inch (slightly deeper for fall crop) in 36-inch rows.
Fertilization
Apply according to results of a soil test. There is some controversy concerning nitrogen supply. One viewpoint is to supply 30 pounds nitrogen per acre at planting, and to allow nitrogen fixation to supply the rest. The other viewpoint is to supply 150 pounds of nitrogen. If snap beans are grown for contract, follow the directions of the company.
Planting Dates
| Bush | Pole | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | Fall | ||
| Coastal Counties | Feb. 10 - Apr. 15 | Aug. 25 - Sept. 20 | Mar. 1 - Sept. 1 |
| South Central | Mar. 1 - Apr. 20 | Aug. 25 - Sept. 10 | Mar. 15 - Aug. 15 |
| Central | Mar. 15 - May 1 | Aug. 15 - Sept. 7 | Mar. 20 - Aug. 15 |
| North Central | Mar. 20 - May 1 | Aug. 15 - Sept. 1 | Apr. 1 - Aug. 10 |
| North | Apr. 1 - May 10 | Aug. 15 - Sept. 1 | Apr. 10 - Aug. 1 |
Irrigation
Adequate moisture is essential for good germination and growth, and it is critical during flowering and pod development. Plants should receive 1 1/2 inches every 7 days in silt loam soils and 1 inch every 5 days in sandy loam soils.
Weed Control
Before planting snap beans, control grasses and some broadleaf weeds with Eptam, Dual, Prowl, or Treflan. You and apply Dacthal immediately after planting. You can use Basagran postemerge for cocklebur control. Follow directions carefully to avoid injury to your crop. Use only herbicides labeled for snap beans. For more information, refer to the latest Extension edition of "Weed Control Guidelines for Mississippi."
Disease Control
Lower your risk of having disease problems by buying disease-free seeds, by treating seeds before sowing with a fungicide, by plowing under old crop debris, and by crop rotation.
| Symptoms | Disease |
|---|---|
| Small water-soaked areas on leaves and pods | Bacterial blight |
| Grayish-white mold on leaf surfaces | Powdery mildew |
| Plants stunted and die in seedling stage | Stem rot |
| Reddish-orange pustular spots on leaves | Rust |
| Plant suddenly wilts and dies, whitemold on stem at soil line | Southern blight |
| Reddish blotches on pods, stems, and leaves | Anthracnose |
When disease has been identified, refer to Extension's latest edition of "Disease, Insect, and Nematode Control Recommendations for Commercial Vegetables in Mississippi."
Insect Control
Corn earworms and stink bugs are major pests of snap beans. Thrips and plant bugs also can reduce marketable yield by distorting pods and causing flower drop. Snap beans can withstand a moderate amount of foliage loss from the Mexican bean beetles, but heavy infestations require insecticide treatment.In late-planted snap beans, the cornstalk borer can be troublesome in north Mississippi. Scout fields regularly for insect damage. Consult Extension Publication 554.
Harvesting
Snap beans are ready to harvest when the majority of pods are over 1/4 inch in diameter, well-formed, snap when bent, and are not fibrous. Pods with beans exceeding sieve size 5 (27/64 inch) are overmature. Grade beans by placing them on a moving belt where trash and culls may be removed. Wire bushel crates with a net weight of 30 pounds are the most common containers in use. Some fiberboard cartons are also used.
Storage
Snap beans are highly perishable and should be stored only for a short period. Optimum storage temperature is between 38 ° and 42 °F. Maintain crispness of beans by storing them at a relative humidity of 95 percent.
Yield
An average yield is about 150 bushels per acre (30 pounds per bushel) or 2.25 tons.Cost per acre
| Preharvest | $403 |
| Harvest | $493 |
| Total Expenses | $896 |
|---|
Return per acre
Snap bean prices vary from $0.12 a pound to $0.60 a pound ($4 to $18 per bushel).
The information given here is for educational purposes only. Reference to commercial products or trade names is made with the understanding that no discrimination is intended of other products that may also be suitable.
By Dr. David Nagel, Extension Vegetable Specialist
Mississippi State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, or veteran status.
Information Sheet
1519
Extension Service of Mississippi State University, cooperating with U.S.
Department of Agriculture. Published in furtherance of Acts of Congress,
May 8 and June 30, 1914. Ronald A. Brown, Director
Copyright by Mississippi
State University. All rights reserved.
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Extension Service.
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