Evaluating the Acclimatization Potential of Pruvian Faba Bean (Vicia faba L.) in Greece

Abstract

Faba bean (Vicia faba L.) is one of the most important sources of plant – based protein, for human and animal consumption. In Greece, faba beans are cultivated as annual, winter crop. The aim of this study was to evaluate the growth of faba bean seeds from Peru and the comparison of its characteristics with a variety, mainly cultivated in Greece (control). A field experiment was laid out at the experimental field of Agricultural University of Athens. Measurements included the agronomic traits, the yield characteristics, and the seed quality. According to the results, there were not significant differences between the two cultivars for the plant height, the number of seeds per pod, the yield and the crude protein content. The number of branches and the Thousand Seeds Weight were significant higher at the seeds from Peru. The fat content of the seed and the number of pod’s were higher at the control. In the present research work, we demonstrated that faba bean population from Peru can be cultivated in the Mediterranean region. The measurements showed that the crop’s growth was normal, and some characteristics of Peruvian beans showed better results than the cultivated varieties.