YIELD AND WATER-USE EFFICIENCY OF FABA BEAN SOWN AT 2 ROW SPACINGS AND SEED DENSITIES

The performance of promising genotypes of faba bean developed for area s with limited rainfall was compared with the local landrace, ILB 1814 , at Tel Hadya in Syria during 1984-1988 using different row spacings and sowing densities. In the last two years of the trials the performa nce of the improved genotypes and ILB 1814 was compared with and witho ut supplemental irrigation. Yields of ILB 1814 were better than the hi ghest yielding genotypes in some years and similar to them in others. In seasons with limited rainfall the best yields were obtained by usin g a narrow row spacing and dense sowing, and yields were significantly improved by irrigation. Grain yield was correlated with biomass and t he number of pods per unit area. The percentage of radiation intercept ed was highest in ILB 1814, particularly when sown with a narrow row s pacing and at a high plant density. Soil water extraction, evapotransp iration and water use efficiency were improved by sowing at a narrow r ow spacing and high plant density.