The common bean cultivar Guapo Brilhante, type II, was grown during the latter season of 2001 in Santa Maria-RS, Brazil, in four plant populations (200, 300, 400, and 500 thousand plants ha-1). The experiment design was randomized blocks with four replications. The grain yield, yield components and some morphological traits were evaluated. The highest estimated yield was 2684kg ha-1 with 337 thousand plants ha-1, demonstrating that, with proper cultural practices, in the latter season, it is possible to produce almost three times more than the best production average of the State of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil in the 90 decade. The increase in plant population increases the first pod height, first pod base height, and the number of internodes. With 400 thousand plants ha-1 the first pod height and the first pod base height are enough to mechanic harvesting, but with potential losses.
Phaseolus vulgaris L.; plant populations; yield components; type II; beans
