Effect of Temperature on the Growth and Development of Broad Bean (Vicia faba L.)

Abstract

Temperature is one of the most important environmental factors affecting plant growth, development, and productivity. Broad bean (Vicia faba L.) is a major legume crop cultivated widely in temperate and Mediterranean regions and plays an important role in human nutrition and sustainable agriculture due to its high protein content and nitrogen fixation ability. However, the growth and reproductive development of this crop are highly sensitive to temperature fluctuations. Previous studies have shown that the optimal temperature range for growth and flowering of faba bean generally lies between 15 °C and 27 °C, while temperatures above this range can negatively affect flower formation, pollen viability, and pod set.

The present study aimed to investigate the effect of different temperature regimes on the growth and development of broad bean plants under controlled conditions. Local seeds of Vicia faba were surface sterilized using diluted sodium hypochlorite solution and planted in clay soil under three temperature ranges: 15–20 °C, 21–27 °C, and 28–35 °C. Plant growth parameters were recorded every ten days, including stem length, number of leaves, number of flowers, leaf area, and chlorophyll content.

The preliminary results indicated that moderate temperatures (21–27 °C) significantly enhanced vegetative growth and physiological performance compared with low and high temperature treatments. Plants grown within this range exhibited greater stem elongation, higher leaf number, larger leaf area, and higher chlorophyll content. In contrast, high temperature conditions (28–35 °C) reduced flower formation and chlorophyll concentration, indicating heat stress effects on plant physiology. These findings confirm that moderate thermal conditions are essential for optimal growth and reproductive development of Vicia faba.

Understanding the temperature responses of broad bean plants is important for improving crop management strategies and adapting legume production to changing climatic conditions