Effect of accel (gibberellins (ga4+7) + benzyladenine) on the shelf life of French beans, phaseolus vulgaris L.

Abstract

To determine the effects of Accel on the shelf life of French beans, Phaseolus vulgaris L. variety Monel, two field experiments were conducted at the University of Nairobi’s Kabete Field Station for two seasons. Accel was sprayed at 12.5, 25.0, 37.5 and 50.0 mg/litre to the bean plants to run off just before flowering. The field experiments were followed by laboratory experiments where the effect of Accel on water content and moisture loss by the French bean pods after storage was determined. Chlorophyll content of fresh pods at harvest and that retained by the pods after eight days of storage was also determined. Increase in Accel concentration led to a linear increase in the water content of pods. Accel reduced moisture loss by the pods thereby reducing the extend of wilting. A pplication of Accel significantly increased fresh pod chlorophyll content and enhanced chlorophyll retention in the pods after storage. The response to increasing Accel concentration was linear.