Components of yield in field beans, Vicia faba L.

Abstract

SUMMARYThe components of yield were studied in a local strain of field beans (Baladi) and two Egyptian varieties (Rebaya 40 and Giza 1). Although no significant differences between varieties were detected in yield per plant, there were differences in components of yield. The Egyptian varieties produced heavier seeds but less pods and seeds than the local strain. The higherpod number in Baladi resulted from a capacity to produce more pods per stem rather than from anability to produce more stems per plant.Correlations between yield and other plant characters and between components of yield were computed. The path-coefficient analysis was employed to partition the correlation coefficients and to compare the relative importance of the primary yield components in predicting yield. Pods per plant showed the highest correlation with yield and selection for high yield can be based on it. Seed weight was negatively associated with pod number and seeds per pod but the r values were too low to be of predictive value. Multiple correlations indicated that 95–98% of the variability in yield was accounted for by the components pod number, seeds per pod and seed weight.