Growth and yield parameters variability among faba bean (Vicia faba L.) Genotypes

Abstract

The present investigation aims to study the intraspecific diversity of thirteen faba bean genotypes (Vicia faba L. 2n=12) and to determine some selection criteria for plant breeding. Five yield parameters were studied: plant height (H), branch number per plant (BN/Pl), pod number per plant (PN/Pl), seed number per pod (SN/P) and yield per plant (Y/Pl). With a few exceptions, significant variabilities were recorded for most of the parameters according the considered genotype and trial.The genotype G10 (cv Aquadulce) from Spain, showed the highest Y/Pl (215.14 g), then the land race (cv major) G13 from Tunisia (137.37 g). In addition, the genotypes showed different behaviors according to the sowings location and season. A significant positive correlation coefficient was recorded between Y/Pl and PN/Pl (r=0.963) for all studied genotypes. Finally, the hierarchical cluster analysis permitted the classification of the genotypes according to these yield parameters.