Crop Profile for Dry Bean in Canada - February 2005 (31 pp) - Synopsis

Dry bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) is a member of the Leguminosae family. The major classes of beans grown are: navy (also referred to as white or white pea beans), pinto, kidney (light red, dark red and white) and cranberry; black (sometimes referred to as black turtle), small red (also referred to as small Mexican red), brown, pink, yellow-eye and great northern.

Most Canadian production occurs in Manitoba (57%), with Ontario and Alberta contributing 27% and 12% respectively (2002). Beans are adaptable to various growing situations. Their symbiotic relationship with nitrogen-fixing bacteria can help improve marginal soils.

The Crop Profile for Dry Bean provides an overview of production and pest management practices for dry bean in Canada. Information is provided on abiotic factors affecting its growth. The biology of key disease, insect and mite and weed problems is presented as well as cultural, chemical and alternative methods of control. Detailed information is provided in tabular form on pest occurrence, integrated pest management options and registered pesticides available to growers.

Grower issues/ gaps in pest management, identified through stakeholder consultations are described in each of the three main sections (disease, insect and mite and weed) and under each pest description. Research contacts and sources of additional information on dry bean production are provided at the end of the profile.

Limited crop production and market statistics are provided in the profile to give context to the economic importance of the commodity. For more detailed statistics pertaining to the crop, the reader is referred to Statistics Canada.

The Crop Profile for Dry Bean is not intended for use as a crop production guide. Please refer to provincial ministry of agriculture websites and crop specialists for detailed information on crop production and pest management in a specific region.

This profile is based on a report prepared under contract (01B68-3-0046) by:

Mark Goodwin, Mark Goodwin Consulting Let., Winnipeg, Manitoba.

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