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Factors Affecting Selection for Seed Coat Thickness in Fababeans (Vicia faba L.)¹

Smaller seed size in fababeans (Vicia faba L.) would make seeding easier and more economical. However, the seed coat contains 89% of the seed crude fiber and it is imperative that any reduction in seed size be accompanied by at least a corresponding reduction in the seed coat contribution. Therefore, this study was initiated to evaluate the factors affecting variation in seed coat thickness in fababeans.

Analysis of seven varieties of fababeans grown at three locations in Saskatchewan in 1973 revealed significant differences in seed coat thickness due to cultivars, locations, replicates within locations, and seeds within cultivars times replicates within locations. Variance components from this analysis were utilized to estimate the numbers of locations, field replicates, seeds, and measurements per seed coat required for detection of specified differences in seed coat thickness. These estimates indicated that the largest number of measurements were required within seed coats and among seeds within cultivars. The position of the seed on the plant had no effect on seed coat thickness. Seed weight and seed coat thickness were not correlated within varieties but were highly correlated among varieties (r = 0.70).

Key Words: Seed size • Seed weight • Horse beans

² Professional research associates.

Received for publication March 9, 1976.