Temperature and solar radiation effects on faba bean (vicia faba l.)‎ growth and grain yield

الملخص EN

In an attempt to identify climatic factors essential to attain high faba bean (Vicia faba L.) grain yields, a two-year (1998-99 and 1999-2000) field study with four planting dates (10 September, 10 October, 10 November and 10 December) and three local faba bean cultivars, Hass-l, Hass-2 and Hass-3, was conducted.

The amounts of photo synthetically active radiation intercepted by the crop (IPAR) and mean air temperature (t) were computed for the vegetative and reproductive growth stages.

These three factors greatly affected grain yield of faba bean.

Grain yields declined with later sowing dates; Hass-2 and Hass-3 were significantly affected than Hass-I.

The length of the vegetative growth in all three cultivars was positively associated with IPAR.

For faba bean there was significantly positive effect of solar radiation on grain yield and its components, in contrast to the significantly negative effect of temperature during the reproductive stage.

The results indicated that Hass-l requires less solar radiation and temperature than Hass-2 and Hass-3 to produce maximum yield.

Early sowing tends to best utilize solar radiation for faba bean grain production.

In general, high temperatures and solar radiation during the vegetative growth appeared to be beneficial for faba bean.