Study of the effect of (Vicia faba L.) cultivars at three different plant densities on vegetative growth characteristics

Abstract

The study was conducted in the field of the College of Agricultural Engineering Sciences at the
University of Baghdad – Jadriya during the winter season of 2021-2022. The main objective was to
assess genetic characteristics of pea varieties (Dutch, Spanish, New Zealand, and local) under
different plant densities of 88888, 53333, and 38095 plants ha-1, denoted as D1, D2, and D3,
respectively.The experimental design employed a Split-Plot Design with three replications based on a
Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD). The main plots consisted of three plant densities,
while the secondary plots included the different varieties. Prior to planting, the seeds were subjected
to laboratory germination tests to ensure germination percentage and viability.The field was prepared
with two orthogonal plowings, followed by soil smoothing and leveling. The experimental field was
then divided into three replicates, resulting in a total of 36 experimental units. Each unit covered an
area of 6 m2 and was comprised of five rows. Plant spacings for the three plant densities (D1, D2,
and D3) were 75 cm between rows and 15 cm, 25 cm, and 35 cm between plants, respectively. The
experimental lines were manually opened, and before planting, all experimental plots were fertilized
with a single application of triple superphosphate fertilizer (21% P) at a rate of 35 kg P ha-1,
following Ali (2012). Nitrogen fertilizer in the form of urea (46% N) was added at a rate of 50 kg N
ha-1, divided into two applications: the first at the time of planting and the second at the beginning of
flowering, as per Ali et al. (2014).The planting was carried out on November 3, 2021, with seeds
sown manually in rows at a depth of 5 cm, with three seeds per furrow. Thinning was performed to
retain one plant per furrow after the plants reached the two-leaf stage. Crop management practices,
including irrigation, weeding, and hoeing, were conducted as needed. Harvesting was performed
when signs of maturity appeared.