Evaluation for fresh consumption of new broad bean genotypes with a determinate growth habit in central Chile

Broad bean (Vicia faba L. [unranked] major (Harz) Beck) is usually consumed dry. In Chile, however, broad bean is grown as a vegetable crop with indeterminate genotypes. The new ’Alarga’, ’Retaca’ and ’Verde Bonita’ broad bean genotypes, which have a determinate growth habit, were evaluated in six irrigated environments in central Chile at three locations (Rancagua, Talca, and Talagante) and on two planting dates (F1 and F2; 1-mo apart). The aim was to characterize their yield and select the best-yielding genotypes in terms of pod yield (PY) and fresh grain yield (GY). The best location(s) to produce fresh pods and fresh grain were also identified and described. Fresh grain yield and components were measured and the genotype x environment interaction (GxE) was analyzed. Pod yield differed among genotypes; ’Verde Bonita’ and ’Retaca’ had the highest PY (15 500 kg ha-1, 8% higher than ’Alarga’). There was a GxE interaction for GY and ’Retaca’ had its highest yield in Talca on the two planting dates and in Rancagua when planted late (F2). Mean GY of ’Retaca’ was 3900 kg ha-1 with the highest number of grains per 1 m² (NG). The best GY was related to a higher seasonal photothermal quotient (ranging from 1.15 to 1.82 MJ m-2 d-1 °C-1, r = 0.90, P ≤ 0.001). The lowest GY was in Talagante on F1. Genotypes differed in yield composition; ’Retaca’ had many small pods giving many seeds per unit area and ’Verde Bonita’ had large pods yielding fewer grains per unit area. The ’Retaca’ genotype is preferred by the frozen broad bean industry, whereas ’Verde Bonita’ is preferred by the fresh broad bean market.