Proper irrigation water management requires knowledge on each exploited crop; particularly regarding vegetative and productive phases since many species have critical periods during which water stress causes serious yield reductions. This study was undertaken so as to assess the effect of five matric potential levels on asparagus bean growth and yield. The experiment was conducted under greenhouse conditions at the experimental area of Department of Engineering, Federal University of Lavras, Lavras, MG. The experimental design was randomized blocks in factorial 5 x 2. The treatments consisted of five matric potentials as indicative of the irrigation scheduling -15 -35 -55 -75 -95 kPa and at two phenological stages (vegetative and reproductive) as monitored by sensors installed at 0.15 m depth. The results allowed to conclude that the most sensitive phase to water deficit was the productive, and that irrigation held at matric potential around -15 kPa led to better crop response in the development, production and quality of pods.
Vigna unguiculata spp. sesquipedalis; matric potential; growth
