Elucidation of varietal and planting geometry effect on yield and seed quality in broadbean (Vicia faba L.)

Abstract

Broadbean seeds are usually consumed as green or dried, fresh or canned and as animal feed in industrialized countries, and important source of protein. Plant density is one of the most significant and effective elements in the fixation of agricultural production, although it varies by variety and environment hence the present investigation to evaluate the effect of different planting geometry on plant growth, yield and quality of broad bean seed among varieties was carried out with twelve treatment combinations comprising two varieties (V1 - Pusa Udit and V2 - Pusa Sumeet) and six plant spacing S1 (30x10 cm), S2 (45x10 cm), S3 (60x10 cm), S4 (30x15 cm), S5 (45x15 cm), and S6 (60x15 cm) were evaluated in factorial RBD with three replications. Maximum and significantly higher germination percent and test weight was recorded in variety Pusa Udit over variety Pusa Sumeet. The variety V2 (Pusa Sumeet) recorded maximum and significantly higher seedling vigour I over V1 (Pusa Udit). Whereas, seedling vigour II was found significantly higher with variety Pusa Udit (3269) as compared to Pusa Sumeet. Quality parameters viz. germination percent, test weight and seedling vigour I and seedling vigour II not influenced significantly due to different planting geometry as well as the combined effect of varieties and planting geometry. Significantly higher number of days to 50% flowering and days to maturity was taken by variety Pusa Udit over Pusa Sumeet. The variety V1 (Pusa Udit) recorded maximum and significantly higher seed yield (q/ha) over Pusa Sumeet. The maximum and significantly higher seed yield (q/ha) was recorded in planting geometry S4 over other planting geometry being at par with S1.