Dry matter accumulation and seed yield in faba bean (Vicia faba L) genotypes

Fifteen genotypes of spring faba bean, differing in flowering earliness, in growth habit (one determinate genotype and 14 indeterminate genotypes) and in mean seed weight, have been analysed for dry matter accumulation and for seed yield elaboration during the two years 1992 and 1993. For all the characters analysed, significant effects of genotypes and year were observed. The hybrid AEC presented a large accumulation of dry matter and a high yield. In comparison to other genotypes, its hybrid vigour seemed to let it transfer more of the dry matter accumulated early by its tillers, to the elaboration of its seed yield. With the exception of tillering, no difference has been established between the determinate genotype B1064 and the indeterminate ones. The size of the seeds sown and the date of flowering appeared closely correlated to dry matter accumulated at vegetative and beginning of flowering stages respectively and seemed to be good indicators of genotype vigour. The amount of dry matter accumulated at date 3 (beginning of young pod stage) in the main stem appeared to be a good early indicator of the number of seeds per m(2) and of the mean seed weight. The dry weight of plant at date 4 (pod at stage II) was positively and significantly correlated to seed yield. Seed yield was mainly correlated to the number of produced seeds per m(2).