Table 1. Phosphorus and Potassium Recommendations for Lima Beans

To stimulate early growth, band 100 to 150 pounds per acre of a pop-up fertilizer such as 10-34-0 at or soon after planting. Apply it 2 to 3 inches to the side of seed or young plants and 2 to 3 inches below the seed or roots.

Apply according to soil test recommendations.

For more efficient use of fertilizer, split the applications of nitrogen and potassium. Phosphorus rapidly becomes fixed in the soil and does not leach, so all recommended phosphorus can be applied in the initial fertilizer application.

Banding usually uses fertilizer more efficiently, especially in the sandier soils. If fertilizer is broadcast, higher rates will likely be required.

For a successful crop, purchase seed from a reputable source. Western-grown seed are usually free of most seedborne diseases and are highly recommended. Commercially treated lima bean seed helps prevent decay and soilborne seedling diseases. Seed germination rate should be 80 percent or greater.

Like any other commercial crop, the exact planting date for limas is determined by the projected marketing schedule.

If the limas are grown for the fresh market, market demand and your ability to harvest and transport the produce during the projected harvest season will determine the best planting date. Check with your processor to schedule optimum planting dates.

Do not plant lima beans until the soil warms up in the spring and the danger of frost is over. In the Coastal Plain, a fall crop can usually be seeded during August; however, later plantings are subject to frost, which may kill the vines before the beans mature. Cool temperatures can also delay maturity by a week or more.

Plant seed ¾ to 1 inch deep in heavy soils and 1 to 1½ inches deep in light soils. Irrigate after planting to obtain a uniform stand.

The seeding rate will depend on seed size, desired spacing, and percent of germination.

Bush types are usually planted in 34- to 36-inch rows with plants 3 to 4 inches apart in the row. At 80 percent germination, approximately 40 pounds of the butterpea types, 65 pounds of baby lima types and 100 pounds of the large types of seed are required to plant each acre.

If pole limas are to be tied to overhead wires, the seed can be drilled in 36- to 48-inch rows with plants 4 to 6 inches apart in the row. If poles are to be used, plant four to five seeds in hills 12 to 14 inches apart. After the stand is established, thin the plants to leave two to four plants per hill.

Root-knot nematodes can severely damage lima beans. Treat infested soils with a nematicide before planting.

For a complete program of nematode control, check with your county Extension agent or refer to The Georgia Pest Control Handbook.

Cultivation provides an effective and relatively inexpensive means of weed control in lima beans. For best results, cultivate on a continuing basis as soon as weeds begin to emerge. Operate sweeps, rolling cultivators and other machinery carefully and as shallowly as possible to avoid damaging the roots. Some soil may be thrown into the row to cover small weeds; however, excessive movement of the soil can aggravate disease problems, bring weed seed to the soil surface and interfere with harvest.

If cultivation alone is ineffective, herbicides might be required for weed control.

Herbicides available for use on lima beans are grouped into the following categories according to the timing of application:

For more detailed information about herbicide use and weed response, refer to The Georgia Post Control Handbook.

In Georgia, irrigation is necessary to obtain high yields of good quality beans. Processors are reluctant to contract nonirrigated lima bean acreage because of inconsistent yields and quality. Soil moisture is important at all stages of the growing season. Adequate moisture provides uniform seedling emergence and ensures plants vigorous enough to support a good crop.

Sufficient water is critical during blossoming and pod set. Dry soil conditions at this stage will result in severe shedding of blossoms, small pods or both.

On heavier soils, lima beans should receive about ½ to ¾ inch of rainfall or water from irrigation per week before blossoming and about 1 inch per week during blossom and pod development. On light soils with a low water-holding capacity, plants require ½ inch twice a week or ¾ inch every five days during blossom and pod development. Although requirements are reduced after pod fill, sufficient water should be applied throughout the growing season to prevent wilting.

Stem anthracnose is the major disease in lima bean production in Georgia. This disease can infect all above-ground portions of the plant. The fungus causes severe pod blight, attacks stems and leaves, and often discolors the bloom. The entire plant can be killed when the main stem is girdled.

Although many growers refer to this disease as bean rust, stem anthracnose is not the same disease that causes rust on snap beans.

A complete disease-control program can significantly

reduce stem anthracnose damage. Some important factors in controlling this disease are:

• Use only Western-grown seed.
• Bury the residue of the previous crop by deep turning.
• Do not plant lima beans on the same land more than once every three years.
• If damping-off has been a problem, use in-furrow treatment.
• Do not plant lima beans in fields adjoining fields planted to soybeans, alfalfa or cowpeas, or after these crops in rotation.
• Do not grow fall-planted beans where stem anthracnose was a problem on the spring crop.
• Use fungicide spray or dust in areas where the disease has been a problem.

Refer to The Georgia Pest Control Handbook for complete control measures.

Several insect pests can attack lima beans. The soybean looper, corn earworm and several species of stinkbugs are most damaging,

Inspect fields frequently for insect pests and initiate controls before heavy pest populations develop. For insect control recommendations, see The Georgia Pest Control Handbook.

Harvest lima beans for fresh market when the pods are well filled. After the beans are picked, transfer them to a shaded area and remove all pods that are not filled and those that are overmature or have begun to lose their green color. All trash, leaves, stems, dirt and diseased beans should also be removed.

Check with your buyers and pack according to their instruction. Lima beans are usually packed 35 pounds gross in wirebound boxes or bean hampers, but some local buyers prefer 50-pound mesh bags. New containers present a better appearance and are recommended highly.