The impact of seasonal variation on occurrence of Fusarium root rot diseases, fly infestations, weeds, herbicide application and yield

Abstract

Effects of cultivar, herbicide and sowing date on bean fly, Fusarium root rot, weed and productivity were examined during 2015 and 2016 seasons using a split-split-plot design. Sowing delayed from 10-15 May (mid spring) to 25–30 June (early summer) reduced weed biomass up to 49% (2015) and 78% (2016) at flowering, and 79% at maturity in control plots. Herbicides decreased weed biomass up to 79% (2015) and 63% (2016) for first-date sowings of COS16 and Talash cultivars at maturity compared to control. Late June sowings decreased disease incidence up to 75% at maturity. Late sowings indicated greater fly infestation and shorter bean plants compared to earlier sowings. Low 100-seed weight and yield (kg/ha) of bean cultivars were obtained for early sowings. This research advised late sowing of beans in late spring to minimize Fusarium root rot, herbicide applications and weed threats, and improve 100-seed weight and yield for sustainable production.