RESPONSE OF FABA BEAN (Vicia faba L.) TO SEEDING DATE AND SEEDING RATE

Abstract

Three faba bean cultivars, Aladin, Herz Freya and Outlook were seeded at three dates (25 Apr, 9 May and 23 May), and at four rates (50%, 75%, 100% and 125% of the recommended rate of 46 plants m−2) atone location (Winnipeg) for 2 yr (1983, 1984). Analysis of variance for yield indicated that both seeding date and seeding rate were very highly significant (P = 0.001). The early seeding date resulted in significantly higher yield and total dry matter and the greatest number of pods per plant. The 50% seeding rate resulted in significantly lower yield and total dry matter, but the highest seed weight and the greatest number of pods per plant, as well as the greatest number of days to maturity. The 75%, 100% and 125% seeding rates resulted in equivalent yield and total dry matter, but significantly fewer pods per plant and reduced seed weight as seeding rate increased. Increased seeding rate partially compensated for delayed seeding. Yield reductions of almost 1% a day for each day delay in seeding for the first 2-wk delay and almost 2% a day for each day delay in seeding for the second 2-wk delay were obtained in this study. It is concluded that seeding as early as possible at 75% of the present recommended seeding rate of 46 plants m−2 should maximize return on seeding cost to the grower.Key words: Total dry matter, harvest index, yield components, protein, density effects, faba bean