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

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.