Can faba beans survive Vermont winters when grown in high tunnels?
Abstract
The goal of this pilot study was to evaluate the cold tolerance and growth characteristics of overwintering faba beans grown in high tunnels. Several questions were investigated: 1) How do faba beans perform in Vermont when grown in high tunnels?, 2) What varieties are best suited for Vermont?, and 3) what will be the effects of pest pressure? The survival rate was low in response to both cold stress and pest pressure. Out of 20 varieties tested, only three varieties have the potential to survive and be viable as a food crop harvested in Spring.
Primary Faculty Mentor Name
Eric von Wettberg
Status
Graduate
Student College
College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
Program/Major
Biology
Primary Research Category
Life Sciences
Can faba beans survive Vermont winters when grown in high tunnels?
The goal of this pilot study was to evaluate the cold tolerance and growth characteristics of overwintering faba beans grown in high tunnels. Several questions were investigated: 1) How do faba beans perform in Vermont when grown in high tunnels?, 2) What varieties are best suited for Vermont?, and 3) what will be the effects of pest pressure? The survival rate was low in response to both cold stress and pest pressure. Out of 20 varieties tested, only three varieties have the potential to survive and be viable as a food crop harvested in Spring.
