Effects of plant population density on determinate and indeterminate forms of winter field beans (Vicia faba). 1. Yield and yield components

Using an indeterminate cultivar, Bourdon, and a determinate selection, 858 (provided by plant breeding international, Cambridge), of winter field bean, the effect of plant population density on yield was investigated in field trials at the university of Nottingham at Sutton Bonington in three consecutive seasons beginning in 1985/86. Plant morphology had no effect on the optimum plant density, which for both entries lay between 10 and 20 plants/m 2 . Bourdon yielded significantly more (2 t/ha, on average) than 858 and this was attributate to more pods/pod-bearing stem more seeds/pod and heavier seeds (...)