Studies on pollination and fertilization in the field bean (Vicia faba L.)

The percentage of cross-fertilization in the field bean was found to be around 45%, and to be higher on the lower nodes of the plants than on the upper. No differences in the relative pollen tube growth rates of self and foreign pollen were observed. The different lines and genotypes investigated responded differently to open pollination, selfing with manual tripping, and selfing without tripping. Fertilizer application and date of sowing affected the number of flowers produced and the number of seeds set, but did not affect the ratio of seeds to flowers, i.e. the index of self fertility.