Untersuchungen zur Leitbündelstruktur der Ackerbohne (Vicia faba L.)

Investigations on the vessel structures of broad beans ( Vicia faba L.)
The number of vessels was observed in the fruit bearing axes of some varieties from Vicia faba Minor, Equina and Major during flowering. These investigations were also made on some F₂- progenies of crosses from minor × equina and Paucijuga × Eufaba and on some topflower plants.
The varieties of Minor and Equina had about 12 vessels on the base of the axis, these diminished to the top of the axis 3 or 4 vessels just before the last flower. The varieties of Major had 12 vessels on the base of the axis too, but these diminished faster because of the smaller number of flowers on the axis. In Paucijuga the number of vessels on the base of the axis was only 3 to 4. Plants of Paucijuga had only 2 or 3 flowers per axis.
Progenies from crosses between Minor × Equina had more vessels on the base of the axis, probably due to a heterotical inheritance. In progenies from crosses between Paucijuga × Eufaba an intermediate inheritance was found in the number of flowers per axis and in the number of vessels.
Due to the investigations on a comprehensive material it is probable that the described vessel structure exists in most broad beans. This structure is complex arranged and modifyable. With this organization it is quite unprobable that the vessel structure will be a yield reducing factor.