Effects of inflorescence removal on seed yield performance of field beans (Vicia faba) under different shading treatments

Abstract

SUMMARYEffects of inflorescence removal under different plant densities and degrees of shading on seed yield of field beans (Vicia faba L.) were investigated. Two indeterminate cultivars were used in field experiments for two seasons (1985 and 1986). The hierarchy within the generative storage system of field bean plants was manipulated by removal of inflorescences at various growth stages and nodes.Removal of the inflorescences of nodes 1–3 (counted from the base upwards) caused about 30% loss of seed yield potential compared with the control but compensatory increases in seed yield were found, differing with plant density and duration of shading. Under favourable growing conditions (no shading, 20 plants/m2), overcompensation occurred, giving a mean seed yield up to 40% more than in controls.Removal of all inflorescences above the ninth flowering node did not significantly reduce seed yield as plants completely compensated for the restriction on yield imposed.

Effects of inflorescence removal on interactions between reproductive storage sites of field beans (Vicia faba) under different shading treatments

“…Overcompensation is considered to occur when the seed yield of a treated plant is greater than the yield of an untreated plant. Under optimum conditions of full light and low plant density, overcompensation of seed yield of 35-40% compared with the untreated control was observed, as was shown in our previous paper (Aufhammer & Gotz-Lee 1989).…”

“…As reported in our previous paper (Aufhammer & Gotz-Lee 1989), mean seed yield/plant differed between seasons and cultivars by 0-8 and 0-9 g, respectively. Although these differences were significant, they were very small.…”

“…As shown in table 6 of our previous paper (Aufhammer & Gotz- Lee 1989), inflorescence removal had positive effects on seed yield/plant only under favourable growing conditions (SI and Dl). These effects resulted from greater increases in seed weight/ node and from more seed bearing/nodes from node 4 upwards under SI and Dl than under S3 and D3 (Fig.…”

“…The data were from field experiments at Hohenheim University, previously described by Aufhammer & Gotz-Lee (1989). Experiments were conducted as split-plot designs.…”

“…Obviously, the effects of removing flowers or inflorescences depend upon the number, position and age of the organs removed and on the growth conditions of the treated plants (Aufhammer et al 1987. In a previous paper (Aufhammer & Gotz-Lee 1989), the relationship between yield/plant and competitive effects between and within plants was discussed. The increase in seed yield/plant resulting from the removal of inflorescences 1-3 (counted from the base upwards) depended upon plant population density and duration of shading treatments.…”