THE CONTRIBUTION OF PLANT-BREEDING TO IMPROVEMENT IN YIELD, AGRONOMICAND QUALITY CHARACTERS FOR FIELD BEANS (VICIA-FABA L.)

The introduction of the EC subsidy scheme for protein crops for animal feed in 1978 increased interest particularly in spring field bean bre eding. The average yield of field beans (Vicia faba L. (partim)) for E ngland and Wales has increased by 23.7% to 3.3 t/ha since 1976, and 19 84 was the highest yielding year. The proportion of this increase whic h can be attributed to the adoption of new varieties was estimated fro m seed certification figures and yield data from NIAB Recommended List s. Over the 18 years 1976-1993, new winter bean varieties contributed about 38% (7.9% out of 23.7%) to the national yield increase, 'other f actors' responsible were better husbandry, milder winters and fewer ou tbreaks of severe chocolate spot (Botrytis fabae). The contribution of spring bean varieties was higher, accounting for about 64% of the nat ional increase (15.0% out of 23.7%), and shorter-strawed, earlier matu ring types improved reliability of harvests. Significant contributions of plant breeding also include winter beans with Ascochyta resistance and, move recently, improved standing ability and nutritional quality for animal feed with white flowered spring and winter beans.