Effect of interactions between heat stress and insect pollination on faba bean (Vicia faba L.) yield production

Abstract

We exposed potted faba bean plants to heat stress for 5 days during floral development and anthesis. Temperature treatments were representative of heat waves projected in the UK for the period 2021-2050 and onwards. Following temperature treatments, plants were distributed in flight cages and either pollinated by domesticated Bombus terrestris colonies or received no insect pollination. The dataset contains various measurements taken from experimental faba bean (Vicia faba L.) plants over three years of experiments conducted at the University of Reading Plant Environment Laboratory (latitude 51 27’ N, longitude 00 56’ W) in controlled environment chambers and insect pollination cages. All measurements were conducted once plants had reached senescence. For the experimental rationale and methodology, please see J. Bishop, et al., Insect pollination reduces yield loss following heat stress in faba bean (Vicia faba L.). Agric. Ecosyst. Environ. 2015. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.agee.2015.12.007.