Physiology of seed yield in field beans (Vicia faba L.): I. Yield and yield components

Abstract

SummaryThe growth and yield of four varieties of field beans were studied in field experiments in 1967 and 1968.Seed yield of the varieties Albyn Tick, Herz Freya, Blue Rock and Maris Bead were similar (averaging 6600 kg/ha) in 1967, but in 1968 Albyn Tick and Herz Freya (averaging 6400 kg/ha) outyielded Maris Bead (5700 kg/ha). Yield in both seasons were substantially more than the national average yields for Britain (about 3000 kg/ha). In 1968, yields were 40% greater at 57 plants/m2 (7100 kg/ha) than at 36 plants/m2 (5100 kg/ha).Yield was closely correlated with number of pods/plant. The number of pods/node regulated this rather more than the numbers of nodes forming pods. Mean seed weight and seed number/pod varied little between plant densities but variety means were significantly different.Maximum numbers of immature pods were present in late June. By mid-July 35% of the immature pods had shed, mainly from the middle and top of the range of podbearing nodes.