Faba bean (Vicia faba L.)

Abstract

Subtitled A basis for improvement, this detailed survey of research in V. faba and the potential of the species as a crop consists of 22 chapters contributed by 33 authors. There are five sections: I, Background, physiology and breeding (11 chapters); II, Husbandry (two chapters); III, pests (three chapters); IV, Diseases (four chapters); and V, Harvesting, drying, storage and utilization (two chapters). Large portions of the test will be of interest to breeders. In section I, besides the several chapters dealing with developmental physiology, yield components, chemical composition, water relations and nitrogen fixation, the chapters principally relevant to breeding and genetics are the following: Classification, origin, breeding methods and objectives (D. A. Lawes, D. A. Bond and M. H. Poulsen, 10 pp. of references); Pollination (D. A. Bond and M. H. Poulsen, 104 references); Reproductive physiology of Vicia faba (P. Gates, M. L. Smith and D. Boulter, 49 references); and Cytogenetics (G. P. Chapman, 42 references). Layout and diagrams are clear and there is an efficient subject index.