Faba Variety Trials - 2017

Objective:

To evaluate Faba for yield and agronomic performance in Northwestern Montana. 

Results:

Significant differences were observed for faba bean yield. Mean yield was 64.0 bu/A and ranged from 51.5 bu/A to 76.2 bu/A. Flowering averaged 182 (July 1), flower as a function of days after emergence averaged 37 days. Height at pod fill averaged 44.0 inches and ranged from 33.2 inches to 47.5 inches. Test weight averaged 65.4 lb/bu and ranged from 646 to 66.3 lb/bu. Thousand kernel weights averaged 435 grams with a range from 194 (a petite type) to 496 grams. Percent protein mean value was 29.6 percent and ranged from 27.4 to 30.6 percent. No statistic differences were observed for plants density, height at flower or physiological maturity.

Summary:

The nursery was planted under rainfed condition with adequate subsurface moisture on silt loam soil. Weeds were well controlled with the pre-plant incorporated herbicide. This was our first year planting faba, which can be large seeded and irregular, thus slow planting and occasional checking of planter opener was required. Harvest was done while stems were still green as pods were crisp and prone to shatter. The combine fan speed was set to maximum. Tabular data of this nursery will not be present.

Table 1. Materials and Methods.