Genotypic Variability in Faba Bean (Vicia faba L.) for Seed Yield and Protein Content under Drought Stress during Vegetative and Reproductive Stages

Abstract

Faba bean (Viciafaba L.) is subjected to drought stress during
different growth stages. In this study, variability in seed yield and protein
content was investigated when drought occurred during the vegetative and
reproductive stages. Twenty-two genotypes of faba bean were field-
evaluated under three levels of drought stress at two locations in the
Sudan. The three levels of drought were normal watering (non-stress),
drought during the vegetative stage and drought during the reproductive
stage. Data were collected on yield and vegetative traits and protein
content. The results showed that yield, as well as other traits, were
reduced by drought. The genotypes exhibited significant differences for
100-seed weight, plant height and protein content. The interaction
between the genotypes and drought was significant for yield/plant. Some
genotypes were more sensitive when drought occurred during the
vegetative stage, some when drought occurred at the reproductive stage,
and others were more stable under the three levels of drought. Yield/plant
showed significant covariance with pods/plant and plant height. The
association between different characters varied according to the trait and
the time of drought incidence. The correlation of yield/plant with protein
content was negative under all drought levels, and the average correlation
coefficient was - 0.32. It could be concluded that the specific adaptation