O feijão (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) é uma leguminosa com alto valor nutricional devido principalmente, ao seu conteúdo protéico e mineral. Uma diminuição no consumo de feijão tem sido observada devido a hábitos alimentares modernos, adquiridos em função de fatores como distância entre casa e trabalho, aumento do trabalho feminino fora do lar, competitividade no mercado de trabalho que acelera o ritmo das atividades, avançando nos horários das refeições, além do tempo de cozimento do feijão que é fator preponderante para aceitação do produto tanto para a dona de casa como pela indústria alimentícia. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar os aspectos físico-químicos e sensoriais do grão de feijão pré-cozido e irradiado com doses de 1kGy, 2kGy e 3kGy, e controle (sem irradiação). Foi realizada a determinação da composição centesimal e mineral, taninos, ácido fítico, digestibilidade da proteína, análise sensorial e microbiológica para os microrganismos mesófilos, coliformes termotolerantes e totais, Estafilococos e Salmonella. A cocção não alterou a composição centesimal obtendo os seguintes teores em base seca: proteína 7,54%; lipídeos 1,29%; fibra alimentar 10,75%, carboidrato 15,56%. Em relação a composição mineral obteve os seguintes valores para sódio 34,5%; cálcio 186,60%; magnésio 160,50%; manganês 0,90%; potássio 122,16%; ferro 4,20%; zinco 2,25% e selênio 0,30%. Houve diminuição no teor de tanino com o aumento da dose de radiação com exceção da dose 3 kGy, obtendo valores de: 0,61mg catequina/g (controle); 0,50mg catequina/g (1 kGy); 0,43mg catequina/g (2 kGy) e 0,54mg catequina/g (3 kGy). Os teores de ácido fítico não diminuiram com o aumento da dose de radiação apresentando valores de: 7,98mg/g (controle); 8,73mg/g (1 kGy); 5,95mg/g (2 kGy) e 6,67mg/g (3 kGy). O feijão apresentou excelente digestibilidade, sendo que a dose de 2 kGy apresentou a melhor porcentagem ( 91,72%). Através da análise sensorial realizada no feijão pré-cozido observou que o produto final apresentou uma maior tendência a aceitabilidade do que a não aceitabilidade. Em relação às análises microbiológicas o processo de radiação foi determinante para a diminuição da contagem microbiana / The bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) is a leguminosae with high nutritional value due especially to its mineral and proteinic content. A decrease in consumption of beans has been observed due to modern eating habits related to factors such as distance between home and work, increase in the number of female workers outside home, labor market competition which accelerates the pace of activities and reduce meal times, besides the cooking time of the beans, which is an important factor for the acceptance of the product both to the person who is cooking and to the food industry. The aim of this paper was to study the physiochemical and sensorial aspects of the grains of beans pre-cooked and irradiated with doses of 1kGy, 2kGy and 3kGy, and control (without irradiation). It was conducted the determination of the centesimal and mineral composition, tannin, phytic acid, digestibility of the protein, sensorial and microbiological analysis for the mesophile microorganisms, thermotolerant and total coliforms, staphylococcus and salmonella. The pre-cooked beans presented the following centesimal composition in a dry-basis: protein 7,54%; lipids 1,29%; fiber 10,75%, carbohydrate 15,56%. Regarding the mineral composition, the following values were obtained: sodium 34,50%; calcium 186,60%; magnesium 160,50%; manganese 0,90%; potassium 122,16%; iron 4,20%; zinc 2,25% e selênium 0,30%. There was a decrease on tannin content with the increase of radiation dose except for the dose 3 kGy, showing values of: 0,61mg catechin/g (control); 0,50mg catechin/g (1 kGy); 0,43mg catechin/g (2 kGy) and 0,54mg catechin/g (3 kGy). The phytic acid contents did not drop with the increase of radiation, showing values of: 7,98mg/g (control); 8,73mg/g (1 kGy); 5,95mg/g (2 kGy) and 6,67mg/g (3 kGy). The beans presented excellent digestibility, with the 2 kGy dose showing the best percentage (91,72%). It was observed through the sensorial analysis carried out in the precooked beans that the final product showed more inclination to acceptability than to a non-acceptability. Regarding the microbiological analysis, the radiation process was determinant for the decrease on the microbial count

O objetivo do trabalho foi estudar a produção e comercialização de feijão no Brasil na década de 1990, tendo como referencial o Plano Real e fazer uma projeção de demanda até 2005. Foram realizados estudos sobre a produção, considerando épocas de colheita, distribuição geográfica, principais fluxos de distribuição. Foram também estimadas relações entre preços recebidos pelos produtores dos sete principais estados produtores e entre preços ao atacado e varejo na cidade de São Paulo. Foram estimadas as margens de comercialização e realizados estudos econométricos, cuja metodologia básica aplicada consistiu de duas etapas, a primeira, foi identificar o sentido da causalidade, ou seja, diante de algum fator ou choque, em que nível de mercado mais freqüentemente se iniciam as alterações de preços, e como essas alterações são transmitidas, ou em que intensidade os níveis de mercado reagem frente aos choques de preços, que podem ter origem na variação da demanda, da oferta de matéria-prima ou da oferta de insumos de comercialização. Por fim, foi feita uma projeção de consumo. Os resultados revelam que após o Plano Real ocorreram algumas alternâncias de produção entre as regiões e um crescimento da produção na Região Nordeste. Porém, não ocorreram alterações significativas nas quantidades produzidas de feijão nos tradicionais Estados produtores. Por outro lado, aumentou a quantidade importada. Quanto à concentração da produção, verificou-se a existência de microrregiões cujas produções tem maiores participações e são mais constantes no contexto nacional. Observou-se que muitas análises de mercado feitas no período considerado, basearam-se somente nos resultados das safras destas regiões, chegando a conclusões e previsões equivocadas. Concluiu-se que, embora haja certa concentração da produção de feijão no Brasil, a produção pulverizada desempenha papel importante no comportamento do mercado. Quanto aos preços recebidos pelos produtores, após o Plano Real, sofreram uma queda de cerca de 33,9%, e os preços ao varejo e atacado sofreram uma diminuição de 33,5% e 25,2%, respectivamente. As margens de comercialização relativas, entre atacado e varejo e entre varejo e produtor, aumentaram, indicando que o consumidor pagou mais pelos serviços de intermediação. Finalmente, confirmou-se o papel do setor intermediário de abrandar choques. Desta forma, apesar das mudanças de estratégias no mercado atacadistas, não foram encontrados elementos que indiquem mudanças substanciais na comercialização. Em relação ao consumo per capita foi estimada uma redução, em média, de 1% ao ano, nas três últimas décadas. Esta tendência porém, não é linear, existindo oscilações entre anos. A projeção para o período de 2000 a 2005 permitiu indicar a manutenção da redução do consumo. / The objective of this work was to study how commercialization of beans evolved in Brazil during the 1990's, given particular attention to the influence of the 'Plano Real' in the bean market. The evolution of the production of beans according to geographic regions and periods of harvest, as well as their flows of distribution, were studied. In addition the was demand projected demand until the year 2005. The ratio between the prices paid to farmers in the seven largest bean producer states of the country and the wholesale and retail prices in the city of São Paulo were developed. The rates marketing margins were also estimated. Econometric studies were developed in order to identify the direction of causality in price formation. The results obtained indicate that the 'Plano Real' did not have significant impact in the amount of beans produced by the traditional major producer states, whereas the imports of beans were significantly increased. Results obtained reveal that after 'Plano Real' there was some production alternation among the regions studied with an increasing trend observed in the Northeast Region. No significant changes were observed, however, on the amount produced by traditional bean producer States. On the other hand, bean importats was significantly increased. Some micro regions within those states were identified as very important and stable centers of bean production in the country. The study showed that in spite of some regions concentrate a large amount of the national production, the scattered production in other regions of the country plays a very important role in the national bean market. After the introduction of the 'Plano Real', prices paid to farmers fell by approximately 33,9%, and the retail and wholesale prices dropped respectively by 33,5% and 25,2%. The commercialization margins of retailers over wholesale prices, as well as of retailers over producer prices, were increased. Hence, consumers have paid more for the intermediation services. The markup of wholesalers over producer prices shrank. The cushioning role of intermediaries in lessening chocks was confirmed. Despite the changes observed in the strategy used by wholesalers, the study did not find indications of substancial alterations in bean possible tendencies of rupture between the commercialization. Some fluctuation among productive regions and some evolution in the strategies of wholesalers were identified during the period of analysis. The tendency for a decreasing per capita consumption of beans was corroborated, and such a fact was estimated to amount to 1% per year. This tendency, however, is not entirely linear. It presents oscillations from year to year. The estimation of the national consumption of beans for the period from 2000 to 2005 projects the persistence of the decreasing per capita consumption.

Made available in DSpace on 2014-06-11T19:22:17Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2006-12-20Bitstream added on 2014-06-13T19:48:28Z : No. of bitstreams: 1 rodrigues_acp_me_botfca.pdf: 540833 bytes, checksum: 242455721b1b2564e11f5e3a054529f2 (MD5) / O presente trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar a quantidade e qualidade da deposição da calda de pulverização em plantas de feijão, Bidens pilosa L. e de Brachiaria plantaginea (Link) Hitch, presentes na linha e entrelinha da cultura, além da deposição no solo, em aplicações de pós-emergência. Foi utilizado como traçador o corante Azul Brilhante FDC -1 na concentração de 500 ppm. Os tratamentos constituíram de 3 modelos de ponta de pulverização, jato plano (XR 110015 VS e XR 11002 VS), jato plano duplo (TJ60 11002 VS) e jato cônico (TXVS 6 e TXVS 8); e dois volumes de aplicação 150 e 200 L ha-1, respectivamente. Utilizou-se o delineamento em blocos ao acaso, com 4 repetições. Os resultados dos dados quantitativos de deposição foram analisados nos seguintes esquemas em fatorial: para os depósitos em plantas de feijão foi utilizado o esquema 3 x 2 (3 modelos de pontas de pulverização x 2 volumes de aplicação); para as plantas daninhas presentes na linha e na entrelinha da cultura do feijão, o esquema foi 3 x 2 x 2 (3 modelos de pontas de pulverização x 2 volumes de aplicação x 2 espécies de plantas daninhas); para as estimativas de deposição no solo, o esquema foi 3 x 2 x 2 (3 modelos de pontas de pulverização x 2 posições (linha e entrelinha) x 2 volumes de aplicação). Foram amostradas 25 plantas por repetição em cada parcela, tanto para as plantas de feijão quanto para as plantas daninhas presentes na linha e na entrelinha da cultura. Após a aplicação, as plantas foram imediatamente coletadas, e em seguida foram lavadas em 100 mL de água destilada para posterior quantificação do traçador em espectrofotômetro. Para as analises qualitativa, cada planta selecionada ao acaso dentro da faixa de aplicação da barra foi considerada uma repetição, o que representou um total de 100 repetições. Os dados obtidos foram... / The present work had as objective to evaluate the amount and deposition quality of spray solution in common bean plants, Bidens pilosa L. and Brachiaria plantaginea (Link) Hitch, current in the crop row and spacing row, beyond the deposition in soil, in applications of post-emergency. It was used the brilliant blue FDC - 1 as tracer solution, with 500 ppm. The treatments had constituted of 3 models of spray nozzles, flat fan nozzle (XR 110015 VS and XR 11002 VS), double flat fan nozzle (TJ60 11002 VS) and cone nozzle (TXVS 6 and TXVS 8); and two application volumes 150 and 200 L ha-1, respectively. It was used a randomized blocks design, with four replications. Being that, the results of the quantitative data of deposition had been analyzed in following factorial schemes: for the deposits in common bean plants was used 3 x 2 factorial scheme (3 models of spray nozzle x 2 application volumes); for the weeds in the common bean crop row and spacing row, the factorial scheme was 3 x 2 x 2 (3 models of spray nozzle x 2 application volumes x 2 weed species); for the soil deposition estimates, the factorial scheme was 3 x 2 x 2 (3 models of spray nozzle x 2 positions (row and spacing row) x 2 application volumes). Were sampled 25 plants for replication in each plot, as much for the common bean plants as current weeds in crop row and spacing row. After application, the plants were immediately collected, and after they had been washed in 100 mL of distilled water for posterior tracer quantification in spectrophotometer. For the quantitative analysis, each random selected plant inside of boom application stripe bar was considered a replication, representing a total of 100 replications. The obtained data had been adjusted a regression curve for Gompertz model. The results had evidenced that: (i) the biggest deposits of spray solution in soil had occurred in the crop spacing row, independent of the... (Complete abstract click electronic access below)

Made available in DSpace on 2017-03-14T14:10:07Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2014-04-24. Added 1 bitstream(s) on 2017-03-14T14:42:49Z : No. of bitstreams: 1 000879081.pdf: 358778 bytes, checksum: 77d2c5db5bf1818251eee50ce9f8cbaf (MD5) / O feijão-caupi (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp) é uma das culturas mais importantes das regiões Norte e Nordeste do Brasil, por desempenhar papel fundamental no contexto socioeconômico das famílias de baixa renda que vivem nestas regiões. No estado do Pará, os Latossolos são predominantes na área de cultivo do feijão-caupi. Estes solos são altamente intemperizados, apresentando acidez elevada, baixo teor de matéria orgânica, fósforo e bases trocáveis e elevados teores de Al e Fe tóxicos as plantas. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o efeito da adubação nitrogenada e potássica, na produtividade de grãos, produção da massa seca da parte aérea e os teores de macronutrientes no tecido vegetal do feijão-caupi. Foi realizado um experimento em condições de campo, de março de 2011 a julho de 2012, município de Belém-PA, em delineamento de blocos casualizados, em esquema fatorial 4x2, sendo os fatores quatro doses de adubos (100 kg de N ha-1, 50 kg de K2O ha-1, a combinação das duas dosagens e um tratamento controle sem adubação), dois manejos de solo (plantio convencional e plantio direto) com quatro repetições. A produção de massa seca da parte aérea apresentou diferenças significativas em relação aos manejos de solo estudados, adubação e experimentos. As melhores produtividades de grãos foram obtidas no plantio convencional. A adubação promoveu diferenciação para os teores de K, Ca e Mg. A produção de massa seca da cultura do feijão-caupi manteve-se em níveis elevados / The cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp ) is one of the most important crops in North and Northeast Brazil, by play key role in the socioeconomic context of low-income families living in these regions . In the state of Pará in Oxisols are predominant area of cultivation of cowpea. These soils are highly weathered, with high acidity, low organic matter, and phosphorus and exchangeable bases and high levels of Al and Fe toxic plants. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of nitrogen and potassium fertilization on grain yield, biomass accumulation of shoots and the macronutrient in plant tissue of cowpea. An experiment was conducted under field conditions, from March 2011 to July 2012, in Belém - PA, in a randomized block design in a 4x2 factorial design, with factors four doses of fertilizers ( 100 kg N ha - 1 50 kg K2O ha - 1, the combination of the two dosages and treatment control without fertilization ), two soil management ( conventional tillage and no-tillage ) with four replications . The dry weight of shoots showed significant differences in relation to the studied soil management, fertilization and experiments. The best grain yields were obtained in conventional tillage. Fertilization promoted differentiation for K, Ca and Mg The dry weight of the culture of cowpea remained at high levels.

Orientador: Leandro Borges Lemos / Banca: Tiago Roque Benetoli da Silva / Banca: Sandro Roberto Brancalião / Resumo: O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o desempenho agronômico e tecnológico do feijoeiro cultivado em sucessão a três sistemas de cultivo (milho exclusivo, milho consorciado com Urochloa ruziziensis e U. ruziziensis exclusiva) e da adubação nitrogenada (0; 40; 80; 120 e 160 kg ha-1 de N) em cobertura no quarto ano após a implantação do sistema plantio direto. O delineamento experimental foi blocos casualizados em esquema de parcelas subdivididas, com três repetições. O consórcio com U. ruziziensis não influenciou a produtividade de grãos de milho. A adoção do consórcio U. ruziziensis + milho permitiu formação de palhada e adequado recobrimento da superfície do solo visando o cultivo do feijoeiro em sucessão. A adubação nitrogenada em cobertura influenciou na produtividade do feijoeiro em sucessão a U. ruziziensis exclusiva e milho consorciado com U. ruziziensis. O feijoeiro em sucessão ao sistema de cultivo com U. ruziziensis exclusiva permitiu a obtenção de maior massa de grãos e rendimento de peneira maior e igual a 12. O tempo de cozimento dos grãos diminuiu em função das doses de N empregadas no feijoeiro em sucessão a milho exclusivo. O feijoeiro semeado em agosto, em Jaboticabal (SP), foi viável agronomicamente em condições irrigadas e adequadas práticas de manejo, como o cultivo em plantio direto na palha / Abstract: The present study was carried out to evaluate the agronomic and technological performance of common-bean crop following three crop system (sole corn, corn-Urochloa ruziziensis intercrop and sole U. ruziziensis) and topdressing nitrogen fertilization (0, 40, 80, 120 and 160 kg ha-1 of N) in the fourth year after the no-tillage system implementation. A randomized block design, in a splitplot array, with three replications was used. The maize yield was not affect with U. ruziziensis consortium. The use of U. ruziziensis consortium + maize allowed a greater straw mulch formation and a more adequate coverage of the soil surface aiming the common-bean cultivation in succession. The nitrogen application influenced the common bean productivity in succession to U. ruziziensis unique and maize intercropped with U. ruziziensis. The common-bean crop in succession to the straw mulch production system with U. ruziziensis allowed higher grain production and sieve yield. The grain cooking time decreased due to the doses of N used in the common-bean crop in succession of maize exclusive. The common-bean crop seeded in August in Jaboticabal (SP), was agronomically feasible due to the appropriate use and irrigation management practices, such as cultivation in no-tillage system / Mestre

Orientador: Dirceu Maximino Fernandes / Banca: Hélio Grassi Filho / Banca: Rogerio Peres Soratto / Banca: Thomaz Figueiredo Lobo / Banca: Jessivaldo Rodrigues Galvão / Resumo: O feijão-caupi (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp) é uma das culturas mais importantes das regiões Norte e Nordeste do Brasil, por desempenhar papel fundamental no contexto socioeconômico das famílias de baixa renda que vivem nestas regiões. No estado do Pará, os Latossolos são predominantes na área de cultivo do feijão-caupi. Estes solos são altamente intemperizados, apresentando acidez elevada, baixo teor de matéria orgânica, fósforo e bases trocáveis e elevados teores de Al e Fe tóxicos as plantas. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o efeito da adubação nitrogenada e potássica, na produtividade de grãos, produção da massa seca da parte aérea e os teores de macronutrientes no tecido vegetal do feijão-caupi. Foi realizado um experimento em condições de campo, de março de 2011 a julho de 2012, município de Belém-PA, em delineamento de blocos casualizados, em esquema fatorial 4x2, sendo os fatores quatro doses de adubos (100 kg de N ha-1, 50 kg de K2O ha-1, a combinação das duas dosagens e um tratamento controle sem adubação), dois manejos de solo (plantio convencional e plantio direto) com quatro repetições. A produção de massa seca da parte aérea apresentou diferenças significativas em relação aos manejos de solo estudados, adubação e experimentos. As melhores produtividades de grãos foram obtidas no plantio convencional. A adubação promoveu diferenciação para os teores de K, Ca e Mg. A produção de massa seca da cultura do feijão-caupi manteve-se em níveis elevados / Abstract: The cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp ) is one of the most important crops in North and Northeast Brazil, by play key role in the socioeconomic context of low-income families living in these regions . In the state of Pará in Oxisols are predominant area of cultivation of cowpea. These soils are highly weathered, with high acidity, low organic matter, and phosphorus and exchangeable bases and high levels of Al and Fe toxic plants. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of nitrogen and potassium fertilization on grain yield, biomass accumulation of shoots and the macronutrient in plant tissue of cowpea. An experiment was conducted under field conditions, from March 2011 to July 2012, in Belém - PA, in a randomized block design in a 4x2 factorial design, with factors four doses of fertilizers ( 100 kg N ha - 1 50 kg K2O ha - 1, the combination of the two dosages and treatment control without fertilization ), two soil management ( conventional tillage and no-tillage ) with four replications . The dry weight of shoots showed significant differences in relation to the studied soil management, fertilization and experiments. The best grain yields were obtained in conventional tillage. Fertilization promoted differentiation for K, Ca and Mg The dry weight of the culture of cowpea remained at high levels. / Doutor

Thesis (M.Sc. (Agriculture)) --University of Limpopo, 2018 / Dry bean is one of the most important cash crops and source of protein for small holder farmers. Low yields of dry bean are often reported to be associated with lack of inoculation (Arbuscular mycorrihizal fungi) of seeds prior to planting. Soil phosphorus (P) unavailability is one of the major factors limiting yield of dry bean. Field and Greenhouse experiments were conducted to investigate the response of dry bean cultivars to inoculation and phosphorus application under dry land farming conditions at the Syferkuil experimental farm of University of Limpopo. Both greenhouse and field experiments were carried out as a split-split plot arrangement in randomised complete block design with four replications. Main plot treatment comprised of two dry bean cultivars VIZ, red speckled bean and small white haricot. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi inoculation levels (inoculated and uninoculated) were assigned in the sub-plot whilst the sub-sub plot was applied with five phosphorus rates at 0, 20; 40; 60 and 80 kg/ ha using single superphosphate (10.5 % P). The data collected were subjected to analysis of variance using statistical software (ANOVA) STATISTIX 10.0.Dry bean cultivars (red speckled bean and small white haricot bean) were evaluated in a field experiment for their growth, nodulation and yield responses to AM fungi inoculation and different rates of P fertiliser. The results revealed that the red speckled bean had higher number of nodules (45 %), stem diameter 26.96 cm and higher leaf area of 21.05 cm2 as compared to small white haricot bean. The application of P at the rate of 40 kg/ha produced higher grain yield of 743.47 kg/ha as compared to small white haricot bean with 572 kg/ha. The growth parameters such as yield, soil chemical and biological properties did not significantly respond to inoculation (P≤0.05). Red speckled bean and small white haricot bean were evaluated in greenhouse experiment for their growth and nodulation on inoculation and phosphorus fertilizer treatment In the greenhouse experiment phosphorus fertilizer rate showed significant effect on chlorophyll content, leaf fresh and dry weight. The dry bean cultivars were found to be significant to number of nodules, plant vigour and root dry weight. The red speckled bean showed higher growth parameters as compared to small white haricot bean. The application of Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AM fungi) at varying rates did not have any significant influence on all parameters measured in the experiment on both trials. The study needs to be repeated after 4 to 5 years. The findings of this study concluded that P should be applied at the rate of 40 kg P/ha in order to improve the production of dry bean. / NRF (National Research Foundation)

Leading cocoa-consuming countries have declared that in the year 2020, they will permit imports of sustainably sourced cocoa beans only, threatening the sustainability of the cocoa farming business. Certification offers enhanced market access for sustainability of the business of cocoa bean producers in Ghana. The purpose of this case study was to explore the strategies that farm managers used to obtain certification for cocoa bean production. Seven farm managers of a cocoa producer's cooperative located in the eastern region of Ghana who consistently produced certified cocoa beans for at least 5 years participated in the study. Deming's quality management theory served as the conceptual framework for this study. Semistructured interviews constituted the primary technique for data collection. Additional data from UTZ-certified documents and the archives of the cooperative supported the process of achieving data saturation. Data were analyzed using Bengtsson's manifest content analysis framework of decontextualization, recontextualization, categorization, and compilation to arrive at conclusions. Three themes emerged from data analysis: training in farming practices and certification code of conduct, management discipline, and environmental and social sustainability. The implications of this study for social change include the potential that certification might influence a positive change in the farming practices of Ghanaian cocoa farm managers. Social change might be reflected in the adoption of sustainable production practices, improved living conditions of producers, and biodiversity conservation.

Thesis (MSc. Agriculture (Agronomy)) -- University of Limpopo, 2013 / Maize (Zea mays L.) is the third most important cereal crop after wheat and rice in the world. Maize/legume intercropping system has become one of the solutions for food security among small scale maize producers due to unaffordability of chemical nitrogenous fertilizers and limited access to arable land. A study was conducted to determine the effect of maize/dry bean and maize/lablab intercropping on maize grain yield and soil fertility status. A field experiment was conducted during 2010/2011 and 2011/2012 growing seasons at the University of Limpopo experimental farm. Treatments included sole maize (ZM 521, an improved open pollinated variety, ex- CIMMYT), sole lablab (Rongai, indeterminate cultivar), sole dry bean (DBS 360, indeterminate Type II cultivar), maize/dry bean and maize/lablab intercrops arranged in randomized complete block design with five replications. Phosphorus (P) was applied on sole and intercropped maize at the rate of 30 kg P/ha in the form of superphosphate (10.5%P) at planting and 40 kg N/ha of nitrogen (N) was applied in the form of Limestone Ammonium Nitrate (LAN) (28%N) on both sole and intercropped maize four weeks after plant emergence. For maize and dry bean, grain yield, yield components and biomass were determined. Only biomass yield was measured for lablab. Soil samples were collected for soil analysis at the beginning and the end of the experiment The results showed that maize/lablab intercropping yielded significantly (P<0.05) lowered maize grain (1259.3 kg/ha) than sole maize and maize/dry bean intercropping which yielded maize grain of 2093.7 kg/ha and 2156.3 kg/ha, respectively. Sole dry bean yielded significantly (P <0.05) higher dry bean grain (1778.5 kg/ha) than intercropped dry bean (691.8 kg/ha). Rongai was only flowering by the time maize and dry bean matured hence only maize yield is reported for the Maize/lablab intercrop. Maize/dry bean intercropping was advantageous to sole cropping with a Land Equivalent Ratio (LER) of 1.42. The partial Land Equivalent Ratio (PLER) for maize in maize/lablab intercropping was 0.60. Dry bean was outcompeted by maize as calculated aggressivity value was positive at +0.64.The highest monetary value was achieved in sole dry bean and the lowest monetary value was found in intercrop dry bean. Soil TN, P, K, Ca, Mg and Na were reduced by both sole cropping and intercropping systems. Intercropping with lablab is likely to significantly lower maize yield under dryland conditions. Key words: dry bean, grain yield, Intercropping, lablab, maize, smallholder, soil fertility.

Protein content of the Great Northern beans was 26.10 percent on a dry weight basis. The apparent isoelectric pH of the NaCl extractable proteins was about 4.4. Among the several solubilizing agents, Na2CO3, K2S04, sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), and NaOH at the respective concentrations of 0.5, 5.0, 5.0 (all w/v), and 0.02 N were the best protein solubilizing agents, solubilizing 93.6 grams Lowry protein per 100 grams Kjeldahl protein. AIbumins and globulins accounted for 21.18 and 73.40 percent, respectively, of the total bean proteins. The bean proteins were fractionated and protein concentrates and protein isolates were prepared. The bean flour proteins, albumins, globulins, protein concentrates, and protein isolates (heretofore referred to as fractions) were studied electrophoretically. Several functional properties of the fractions were investigated. Protein concentrates had the highest water and oil absorption capacity (5.93 and 4.12 g/g, respectively) and emulsion capacity (72.6 g oil emulsified/g). Albumins registered the highest emulsion stability (780 hours at 21 °C). Foaming performance of the Great Northern bean proteins was fair and concentration dependent. Sorption isotherms studies indicated that the bean flour had higher equilibrium moisture content at corresponding temperature and equilibrium relative humidity than other fractions. Buffer capacity of the bean proteins over a pH range of 4-8 was modest. Modification (succinylation and oxidation) improved the water and oil absorption capacity of the bean proteins. Globulins registered the highest stickiness (92 N) among all the fractions. Alkali solubilization of the bean proteins resulted in significant reduction in trypsin and chymotrypsin inhibitory activities and elimination of hemagglutinating activity. Protein concentrates were essentially void of flatulence activity. Amino acid profiles indicated that the bean flour proteins, albumins, and protein isolates contained high acidic amino acids, while globulins and protein concentrates were characterized by high proportions of hydrophobic amino acids. Sulfur containing amino acids and leucine were the first and second limiting amino acids in the Great Northern bean proteins. Heat treatment of the fractions improved the in vitro protein digestibility. Baking studies indicated that replacement of wheat flour by the bean flour and the protein concentrates for improved nutritionality of cookies and bread was possible without adversely affecting the sensory quality attributes. In cookie preparation, bean flour and protein concentrates could replace wheat flour up to 30 percent and 20 percent (by weight), respectively; the corresponding figures for the wheat flour replacement in breadmaking were 10 percent and 10 percent (by weight). Fermentation of the Great Northern beanrice blends suggested the potential for these beans in developing fermented foods. The beans contained 59.20 percent (on a dry weight basis) of starch. Starch granule size ranged from 12 X 12 μm to 58 X 40 μm (length X width) and the granule shape was round to oval to elliptical, and in certain cases, concave as well. Lamellae were present on all the starch granules observed. Amylose content of the starch was 10.20 percent (on starch basis). Stable gel formation by the bean starch was observed at concentrations of 7 percent and above (w /v). The viscoamylographic studies of the isolated starch indicated the restricted swelling character of the bean starch. Solubility and swelling of the bean starch was both pH and temperature dependent. The addition of free fatty acids to the isolated starch reduced the viscosity and raised the gelatinization temperature of the bean starch. Modifications (acetylation and oxidation) of the isolated starch resulted in altered solubility and swelling characteristics. Replacement of wheat flour by the bean starch caused an increase in alkaline water retention capacity. The bean contained an arabinogalactan type mucilage principle (arabinose:galactose ratio of 2.0: l.7), the viscosity of which was dependent on concentration, pH, and temperature.