Chiredzi Research Station, P. O. Box 97, Chiredzi. Zimbabwe

The most favorable time of sowing and a promising variety are of prime importance to harness potential yield in bean production. A trial was conducted on the effect of sowing date and variety on yield of sugar beans in the Lowveld at Chiredzi Research Station Semi-arid region of Zimbabwe. Twelve different de-terminate varieties of sugar beans and eight indeterminate varieties were evaluated. The determinate va-rieties were OPS-RSI, Natal Sugar beans, AND 897, Mus 97, Mug 38, Red Canadian wonder, Michigan pea bean, Cim 9314-17, Zebra, Grey Light, White Kidney, Cim 9406-3. The indeterminate varieties were Carioka, Ren 22, Iris, MCM 2203, Nyanga Red, APN 136, Black bean and Xan 76. Results showed that the number of pods varied across months with highest numbers produced May (20). Indeterminate varieties had more pods per plant than determinate varieties. The number of seeds per plant increased significantly (p<0.05) with Michigan producing the highest number (68). The number of seeds per pod was highest in May (36). Michigan pea bean had the highest average number of pods per plant (17). The average number of days to flowering were highest in May (51), June (55) and July (53). Average number of days to ma-turity were highest in April (99), May (106), June (98) and July (97). Marketable average yield increased significantly p<0.05) in April (1620 kg/ha), May (1719 kg/ha) and June (1633 kg/ha). Mean maximum temperature was above optimum requirement for bean production affecting number of pods per plant, seeds per plant and ultimately economic yield. Variety APN 136 planted in May was the best in the Lowveld of Zimbabwe.