Matthew PW, Armstrong EL, Lisle CJ, Menz ID, Shephard PL and Armstrong BC (2008) The effect of faba bean plant population on yield, seed quality and plant architecture under irrigation in southern NSW. In: Unkovich, M.J. (ed), “Global Issues, Paddock Action - Proceedings of the 14th Australian Society of Agronomy Conference, 21 - 25 September, Adelaide, South Australia". Australian Society of Agronomy.

Summary

The effect of plant population on the grain yield, seed quality and plant architecture of faba beans (Vicia faba) was evaluated in the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area of southern NSW in 2006. The faba bean cultivars Farah, Fiesta VF and Nura were sown under irrigated conditions at the target plant populations of 10, 15, 20, 25, 30 and 35 plants/m2. To understand how plant density influenced yield, plant samples were collected and mapped for branch number, height, location of flowering nodes, pod position, pod set, seed number per pod and seed size.

Statistical analysis of grain yield showed all varieties responded similarly to changes in plant density, although yields were significantly different between varieties. Pod mapping data showed yield architecture differs with plant population.