Pollination, fertilization and seed development in winter stocks of faba beans (Vicia faba L.)

Summary

Incidences of pollination and fertilization were determined in five stocks of winter bean (two populations, two inbred lines, one cultivar) in two years. In the second year, irrigation was included as an experimental treatment and the development of seeds was monitored. Large differences between years were found in the measures of pollination and fertilization, and irrigation was associated with a small but significant increase in the proportion of ovules which were fertilized within fertilized flowers, particularly in the ovules furthest from the stigma. This increase was clearly reflected in the corresponding indices of seed maturation in the irrigated plants. Irrigation was not associated with any change in the proportion of ovules which aborted. Small but statistically significant differences in all of the measures of pollination and fertilization were found among the stocks. It is suggested that the variation in the incidences of pollination and fertilization was largely associated with variation in the synchrony of anthesis within racemes. The proportion of ovules within pods which matured as seeds and the proportion which aborted both varied significantly among the five stocks. Abortion appeared to act independently of fertilization in affecting the index of seed maturation, so both mechanisms should be considered when breeding for improved filling of pods.