Influence of water deficit on the accumulation of sugars in developing field bean (Vicia faba var. minor) seeds

Comparative studies on the accumulation of carbohydrates in maturing seeds of two field bean (Vicia faba L. var. minor) cultivars - Dine (classical mo rphotype) and Tibo (self-determinate growth habit)- carried out in 1990-199 4, indicated a significant effect exerted by plant vegetation conditions on the dynamics of the accumulation of carbohydrates and their final levels i n mature seeds. Unfavourable humidity during embryogenesis stimulated the a ccumulation of raffinose family oligosaccharides. The qualitative and quant itative composition of oligosaccharides changed to a greater extent in the seeds of cv. Tibo than in those of cv. Dino.