EFFECTS OF ROW SPACING, SEEDING RATE AND DATE OF SEEDING ON FABA BEANS

Abstract

Two small faba bean (Vicia faba L.) cultivars, Erfordia and Wiselburger Kleinkornige, were tested at one location for 1 yr at three row spacings (15, 23 and 31 cm) and three seeding rates (100, 150 and 200 kg/ha). The effects of four seeding dates were evaluated for both cultivars. Seeding commenced on 2 May and was repeated at approximately 2-wk intervals. The narrowest row spacing produced the highest seed yield for both cultivars. Row spacing did not affect the protein content, but did affect the percent germination in the cultivar Kleinkornige. The narrowest row spacing (15 cm) produced the highest germination. Seed yield increased with seeding rate for the cultivar Kleinkornige. However, there was no increase in seed yield for the cultivar Erfordia when seeding rate increased from 150 to 200 kg/ha. Seeding rate did not affect the protein content or germination. Date of seeding had a significant effect on the yield. Delayed seeding significantly decreased the yield for both cultivars. Seeding date did not significantly affect the protein content of the seed. Germination was significantly reduced with delayed seeding.