Variation in leaf traits, yield and yield components of faba bean in response to planting dates and densities

Abstract

Although faba bean (Vicia faba L.) is a rich source of protein and forage yet its yield is low in Pakistan. Planting time and density are the two major factors affecting faba bean yield. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of planting dates and densities on the leaf traits, yield and yield components of faba bean at New Developmental Farm, NWFP Agricultural University, Peshawar. Faba bean was planted on 8 dates from 20 September to 27 December at two-week interval at four planting densities of 150,000, 300,000, 450,000 and 600,000 plants ha-1. Planting dates significantly affected days to 50% flowering, pods plant-1, leaves plant-1 , leaf area (LA), leaf weight (LW), specific leaf area (SLA) and specific leaf weight (SLW), while planting densities significantly affected days to 50% flowering, LA, SLW, pods plant-1, and 100 grains weight. Crop planted on September 20 or October 4 took maximum days to 50% flowering (64), produced more pods plant-1 (21.8), heavier grains (66.13 g), more and heavier leaves plant-1. Planting density of 450,000 plants ha-1 improved yield and yield components, and further increase in planting density decreased leaf traits, pods plant-1 and grain yield. It may be concluded that faba bean can be planted up to October 4 at 450,000 plants ha-1 to obtain maximum yield in the study area.