Study the effects of planting date and density on Seed yield and some eco-physiological, agronomic and morphological traits of two Fava bean genotypes in Dezfoul region

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of planting date and plant density on eco-physiological, agronomic, morphological traits and yield components of two fava bean genotypes in Dezfoul region.

The experiment was conducted in Safiabad-Dezful Research Center as a factorial split plot based on randomized complete block design with three replications during the two crop years of 2017 and 2018. In this study, the effect of two Fava bean genotypes (Saraziri and line 62), on three planting dates (11 October, 31 October and 20 November) and at three densities (10, 15 and 20 plants per square meter) on grain yield, Harvest Index, stem diameter, plant height, seed protein percentage, leaf chlorophyll content, photosynthesis rate and leaf stomatal conductance were evaluated. 

The results showed that the highest grain yield and harvest index were related to the Saraziri genotype Planted on October 11th with the density of 15 plants per square meter. Regarding the measured morphological and physiological traits, the highest plant height and chlorophyll content belonged to the Saraziri genotype cultivated on October 31th with the density of 20 plants per square meter and the highest percentage of protein, photosynthesis rate and stomatal conductivity was related to the Saraziri genotype cultivated on November 20th with the density of 20 plants per square meter. The highest stem diameter was related to the Saraziri genotype planted on the 20th of October with a density of 10 plants per square meter.

The results of this study showed that while reducing the growth period leads to a decrease in Seed yield along with increasing crop quality, to achieve the desired morphological characteristics and obtain good Seed yield in the Faba bean plant in Dezful region, Khuzestan province it is better to prolong growth period by planting on October 11th and the density of 15 plant per square meter is recommended.