THE EFFECT OF OVULE POSITION ON THE FREQUENCY OF HYBRID AND INBRED SEED IN FABA BEAN

Abstract

The effect of ovule and ovary position on the frequency of hybrid seed production of faba bean (Vicia faba L.) was measured at Dijon, France and Saskatoon, Canada. Even though there was far greater ovule fertilization frequency at Dijon (72%) than at Saskatoon (30%) the frequency of hybrid seed was significantly greater at Saskatoon (24%) than at Dijon (15%). Neither the position of the ovule within the ovary nor the position of the raceme on the stem had any effect on the production of hybrid seed. However, at both locations the highest position within a raceme produced a significantly greater proportion of hybrid seeds. It is proposed that under the effect of intra- or inter-plant stress, developing ovaries containing hybrid embryos may be selectively retained.Key words: Vicia faba, ovule fertilization, outcrossing, faba bean