Field experiments in three successive growing seasons (1963–66) studied effects of variety and plant density on yield components of broad beans. In 1963/64 total seed yield of a local variety (Beladi), increased with increasing seed rates from 70 to 280 lb per feddan, but yield increment diminished beyond 140 lb. The same results were obtained with Beladi and Rebaya 34 in 1964/65 and 1965/66, but Rebaya 34, yielded less than Beladi at all seed rates. Growth analysis revealed that Rebaya 34 had greater growth rate at the beginning of the season, due to its relatively large seed size, but eventually Beladi overtook it. Maximum pod growth in both varieties occurred when leaf dry weight was declining. The proportion of dry matter was greater in pods of Beladi than Rebaya 34 because of more sinks in the former variety. The present seed rate of 70 lb per feddan seems to be suboptimal and factors affecting establishment and/or effective leaf area at the time of pod growth are detrimental to the final yield.