A REVIEW OF POLLINATION AND POD SETTING IN FABA BEANS (VICIA-FABA L)

The faba bean has had a reputation for poor and inconsistent yields fo r many years in the UK and NW Europe compared to the major cereal spec ies. Research work has demonstrated that pollination, fertilisation an d seed setting ave variable in expression within a complex set of patt erns, all of which are subject to interaction with factors within the plant itself and with changing environmental conditions. For many year s, plant breeders have been unable to make much headway since various compensating factors operate, e.g. inbreeding depression and self-fert ility of cross-breds. However, the improved performance of the newer v arieties has hopefully indicated that, as a result of a better underst anding of the complexities involved in natural pollination and the com ponents of yield, breeders have been able to improve substantially the competitive position of Vicia faba as a crop in relation to cereals. While weather conditions will continue to play a major part in field p erformance, a better understanding of the agronomy of the crop by advi sers and growers will ensure that future prospects become less uncerta in.