Faba Bean Crops Research Articles

Application of Fuzzy Analytical Hierarchy Process in Land Suitability Evaluation for Faba Bean Crop

Application of Fuzzy Analytical Hierarchy Process in Land Suitability Evaluation for Faba Bean Crop

Enhancing Water Use Efficiency and Carbon Profitability Through the Long-Term Impact of Sustainable Farming Systems

This study aims to enhance water use efficiency, maximize productivity, and minimize environmental impact through the implementation of sustainable agricultural systems using drip irrigation systems. It investigates the effects of biodynamic farming compared to those of organic and conventional methods over a six-year period and focuses on soil properties, water use efficiency, crop yield, and environmental and economic perspectives. Using a biodynamic farming system resulted in an average increase in water use efficiency of 1.96 and 10.67% for maize and 3.62 and 10.68% for faba bean and an increase in maize yield of 1.68 and 0.99%, while the faba bean yield reached 3.25 and 1.57% compared to the organic and conventional farming systems, respectively. The biodynamic system sequestered the highest average soil carbon of 6.16 tons/ha (which is equivalent to 22.45 tons/ha of CO2 emissions), representing a 13% increase compared to the organic system. Additionally, the biodynamic system yielded an increase in total net profit of 5.70 and 21.66% for the maize crop and 6.72 and 22.19% for the faba bean crop compared to the organic and conventional farming systems, respectively. The farming system significantly influenced the soil carbon sequestration and organic carbon.

What do Lygus like? Looking for potential trap crops to reduce faba bean damage

Grain legumes, such as faba bean (Vicia faba L.), are crucial for protein supply and soil fertility enhancement through nitrogen fixation. However, faba bean cultivation is challenged by Lygus plant bugs (Hemiptera: Miridae), which cause significant crop damage and seed quality loss. This study aimed to evaluate Lygus preferences between faba bean and alternative crops to develop effective management strategies. We conducted choice bioassay experiments under laboratory conditions and field plot experiments. Laboratory results indicated sex-based host preferences, with males favoring faba beans and females preferring canola. Field studies showed that faba beans adjacent to canola had higher Lygus abundance and damage compared to those next to peas, flax, and safflower. Safflower and sunflower demonstrated potential as trap crops to reduce Lygus damage to faba beans. Our findings provide insights into Lygus behavior and suggest that a combination of trap cropping, and targeted insecticide use could mitigate the impact of Lygus infestations on faba bean cultivation.

Evaluation of Faba Bean (Vicia faba L.) Varieties for Yield and Chocolate Spot (Botrytis fabae) Disease in Western Tigray, Ethiopia

Faba bean (Vicia faba L.) has an important pulse crop in Ethiopian. It is consumed in various forms and contributes to soil fertility improvement. However, its production and productivity are challenged by biotic and abiotic constraints. Chocolate spot is known as Botrytis fabae, is a significant biotic constraint that negatively impacts faba bean crops in highland areas of western Tigray. The aim of the study mentioned was to assess faba bean varieties for their grain yield and resistance to chocolate spot disease under field conditions. Field experiment was conducted at Welkayt and Tsegedie district during 2017 cropping season using five released faba bean varieties and one local check. Treatments were evaluated with RCBD and replicated three times. There was significant difference (p<0.01) among tested faba bean varieties and lactation, while, interaction effect of varieties and lactation were non-significant variation (p<0.05). In the analysis conducted on grain yield from different varieties, it was observed that the variety Hachalu achieved the highest grain yield at 632kg/ha, followed closely by Tumsa with a yield of 611.8kg/ha. While, minimum yield was obtained from variety Obse (384.3kg/ha) at Welkayt. Similarly, in Tsegedie maximum yield was calculated from variety Tumsa (339.8kg/ha) and Hachalu (334.4kg/ha), respectively. Minimum yield was obtained from variety Obse (238.8kg/ha). There was significant variation among faba bean varieties in terms of PSI at a significance level of P<0.05, while disease incidence did not show significant differences among the varieties tested. Lowest mean disease severity was recorded from varieties Hachalu (15%) followed by Tumsa (17.7%). However, Highest mean value was recorded from Obse variety (30.02%) at Welkayt. Similarly, in Tsegedie lowest disease severity was recorded from varieties Hachalu (28.7%) and Tumsa (28.8%). Highest mean value recorded from varieties Obse (susceptible) (50.13). There was positively and significant correlation among yield and Agronomic traits. However, there was negatively significant yield with PSI at both locations. Varieties with low disease severity are useful in breeding program aimed at developing with higher resistance of chocolate spot disease.

Assessment of faba bean-cereal intercropping: Impact on black aphids, weed management, and faba bean yield in the Meknes region, Morocco

Abstract This study aimed to evaluate the influence of the association between faba bean and cereal crops on the incidence and severity of black aphids, weed control, and faba bean yield in Meknes region, Morocco. Regression and correlation analyses were performed to examine the relationship between different parameters. The results showed that the combination of faba bean with cereals significantly reduced black aphid infestation, weed density, and biomass compared to faba bean alone. The present study also revealed a positive correlation between reduced aphid incidence and improved faba bean yield. Analyses also revealed significant correlations between weed density and aphid incidence/severity as well as notable associations between faba bean crop biomass, weed biomass, and faba bean yield. These findings underscore the importance of crop associations in enhancing the resilience and productivity of faba beans through integrated aphid and weed management. They highlight the complexity of the interactions between aphids, weeds, and faba bean crops, requiring a holistic approach to understand their impact on crop yield.

Biomass yield, crude protein yield and nitrogen use efficiency over nine years in annual and perennial cropping systems

Emerging biorefinery technologies can lead to new applications and new markets for various types of crop biomass. This may allow significant changes in agricultural production from crop rotations dominated by annual grain and seed crops towards annual or perennial cropping systems composed with the aims of higher biomass yield and environmental sustainability. In this study, we investigated 7 annual and 7 perennial cropping systems on a sandy loam soil, with large differences in N fertilization. Yield of dry matter (DM) and crude protein (CP) was measured over nine growing seasons from 2013 to 2021. A conventional four-year cash crop rotation with cereals and winter oil seed rape served as a reference and achieved mean annual yields of DM and CP of 10.5 and 0.85 Mg ha−1 y−1, respectively, across the nine years. Continuous maize and triticale had significantly higher DM and CP yields, with 57 and 15 % increases in DM yield compared to the reference crop rotation, respectively. Optimized four-year crop rotations with various annual crops including triticale, maize, beet, hemp or faba bean and various intermediate crops achieved 51–84 % and 42–78 % higher yield of DM and CP, respectively. Perennial cropping systems with festulolium and tall fescue with three or four harvests per year achieved 63–65 % higher DM yield and 192–200 % higher CP yield (2.47–2.55 Mg ha−1 y−1) compared to the cash crop rotation. Perennial cropping systems with miscanthus and willow had high DM but low CP yield. As a measure of nitrogen use efficiency, partial factor productivity of DM yield (PFPDM) and CP yield (PFPCP) were calculated, and both varied significantly between cropping systems, with highest PFPDM for M. × giganteus and willow (114–192 kg DM kg N−1) and lowest for festulolium and tall fescue (38–40 kg DM kg N−1). PFPCP was highest for the optimized crop rotations (6.88–7.94 kg CP kg N−1) and lowest for miscanthus (2.94–4.98 kg CP kg N−1). Across 12 of the cropping systems, which included both protein crops and lignocellulosic crops, there was a non-linear DM yield response to N fertilization rate with PFPDM decreasing from 134.9 to 37.2 kg DM kg N−1 when increasing the N rate from 50 to 500 kg ha−1 y−1. On the other hand, there was a linear CP yield response and, therefore, a constant PFPCP of 5.94 kg CP kg−1 N across N fertilization rates. The results clearly indicate that cropping systems can be modified to achieve higher DM and CP yields but also that choice of cropping system and optimal N fertilization may need adjustment depending on the use of the harvested biomass, the possibilities for biorefining into various components and products as well as the economic value of the components.

Characterization of the virome in broad bean: First detection of Potyvirus phaseoluteum and Orthotospovirus impatiensnecromaculae in Montecillo, Texcoco, Mexico

Background / Objective. In broad bean (Vicia faba) crops established in Montecillo, Texcoco, State of Mexico, 100% of plants were observed with viral symptoms consisting of mosaic, mottling, leaf curling, wilting and a notable decrease in plant development. These symptoms led to a significant reduction in seed yield and quality. In this context, the present study was carried out with the objective of identifying the viral species associated with these symptoms. Materials and Methods. The experimental strategy consisted of extraction of total RNA from leaves showing the aforementioned symptoms, followed by next-generation sequencing. Results. In the results, the complete genomes of Orthotospovirus impatiensnecromaculae (before impatiens necrotic spot virus) and two isolates of the Potyvirus phaseoluteum (before bean yellow mosaic virus) were obtained. The phylogenetic analysis revealed that the isolate of O. impatiensnecromaculae (INSV CPMEX) shows significant divergences from those previously reported in other plant species. On the other hand, the two P. phaseoluteum isolates (BYMV CP1MEX and BYMV CP2MEX) proved to be different from each other, being related to isolates reported in Sudan and Iran. Conclusion. This result suggests considerable genetic diversity among the viruses associated with viral symptoms in faba bean crops in the region, which underlines the importance of accurate identification for the management and control of these viral infections.

Antifungal activity of Neowestiellopsis persica against Rhizoctonia solani in root and crown of Faba bean cultivated under modified BG-110 medium composition

Rhizoctonia solani, a fungal pathogen, affects the quality and yield of Faba bean crops and hinders plant export. Chemical fungicides effectively control fungal pathogens, but their long-term use harms the environment, soil properties, and human health. Cyanobacteria, a promising source of natural bioactive compounds, have shown efficacy against the fungal colony growth of various plant pathogens, highlighting the need for sustainable practices. As a result, this study examined the biological control of the Rhizoctonia solani disease that affects the Faba bean's root and crown. Disease assessments were then done in five groups: (1) healthy control; (2) control infected with Rhizoctonia solani and not treated with cyanobacterial extract; (3) plant infected with Rhizoctonia solani and treated with cyanobacterial extract suspension of 0.02, (4) 0.04, and (5) 0.08 g/L phosphate during 20 and 34 days. The results of the antioxidant activity by the 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay showed that with increasing phosphate concentration, the activity increased significantly. The results of enzymatic activity indicated that time did not significantly impact the enzymatic activity of glutathione peroxidase (GPx), catalase (CAT), and guaiacol peroxidase (GPX), with the highest and lowest activity being related to codes 2 and control, respectively. However, time had a significant effect on superoxidase dismutase (SOD) activity, with the highest activity reported on day 35. Moreover, the results showed that increasing the concentration of the extract significantly decreased cell viability in hepatoblastoma (HepG-2) cell lines. The cyanobacterial extract treatment caused over 66 % damage to plants infected with Rhizoctonia solani. The overall results indicated that Neowestiellopsis persica, grown under higher phosphate concentrations, can be used as an effective antifungal biocontrol against Rhizoctonia solani in Faba bean roots and crowns.

Molecular genetic diversity and linkage disequilibrium structure of the Egyptian faba bean using Single Primer Enrichment Technology (SPET)

Faba bean is an important legume crop. The genetic diversity among faba bean genotypes is very important for the genetic improvement of target traits. A set of 128 fab bean genotypes that are originally from Egypt were used in this study to investigate the genetic diversity and population structure. The 128 genotypes were genotyped using the Single Primer Enrichment Technology (SPET) by which a set of 6759 SNP markers were generated after filtration. The SNP markers were distributed on all chromosomes with a range extending from 822 (Chr. 6) to 1872 (Chr.1). The SNP markers had wide ranges of polymorphic information content (PIC), gene diversity (GD), and minor allele frequency. The analysis of population structure divided the Egyptian faba bean population into five subpopulations. Considerable genetic distance was found among all genotypes, ranging from 0.1 to 0.4. The highly divergent genotype was highlighted in this study and the genetic distance among genotypes ranged from 0.1 and 0.6. Moreover, the structure of linkage disequilibrium was studied, and the analysis revealed a low level of LD in the Egyptian faba bean population. A slow LD decay at the genomic and chromosomal levels was observed. Interestingly, the distribution of haplotype blocks was presented in each chromosome and the number of haplotype block ranged from 65 (Chr. 4) to 156 (Chr. 1). Migration and genetic drift are the main reasons for the low LD in the Egyptian faba bean population. The results of this study shed light on the possibility of the genetic improvement of faba bean crop in Egypt and conducting genetic association analyses to identify candidate genes associated with target traits (e.g. protein content, grain yield, etc.) in this panel.

Foliar Application of Rhizobium leguminosarum bv. viciae Strain 33504-Borg201 Promotes Faba Bean Growth and Enhances Systemic Resistance Against Bean Yellow Mosaic Virus Infection.

The bean yellow mosaic virus (BYMV) is one of the most serious economic diseases affecting faba bean crop production. Rhizobium spp., well known for its high nitrogen fixation capacity in legumes, has received little study as a possible biocontrol agent and antiviral. Under greenhouse conditions, foliar application of molecularly characterized Rhizobium leguminosarum bv. viciae strain 33504-Borg201 to the faba bean leaves 24 h before they were infected with BYMV made them much more resistant to the disease while also lowering its severity and accumulation. Furthermore, the treatment promoted plant growth and health, as evidenced by the increased total chlorophyll (32.75 mg/g f.wt.) and protein content (14.39 mg/g f.wt.), as well as the improved fresh and dry weights of the plants. The protective effects of 33504-Borg201 greatly lowered the levels of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) (4.92 µmol/g f.wt.) and malondialdehyde (MDA) (173.72 µmol/g f.wt.). The antioxidant enzymes peroxidase (1.58 µM/g f.wt.) and polyphenol oxidase (0.57 µM/g f.wt.) inhibited the development of BYMV in plants treated with 33504-Borg201. Gene expression analysis showed that faba bean plants treated with 33504-Borg201 had higher amounts of pathogenesis-related protein-1 (PR-1) (3.28-fold) and hydroxycinnamoyl-CoA quinate hydroxycinnamoyltransferase (4.13-fold) than control plants. These findings demonstrate the potential of 33,504-Borg201 as a cost-effective and eco-friendly method to protect faba bean plants against BYMV. Implementing this approach could help develop a simple and sustainable strategy for protecting faba bean crops from the devastating effects of BYMV.

Mechanism of benzoxazinoids affecting the growth and development of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. fabae.

Continuous cropping of faba bean (Vicia faba L.) has led to a high incidence of wilt disease. The implementation of an intercropping system involving wheat and faba bean can effectively control the propagation of faba bean wilt disease. To investigate the mechanisms of wheat in mitigating faba bean wilt disease in a wheat-faba bean intercropping system. A comprehensive investigation was conducted to assess the temporal variations in Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. fabae (FOF) on the chemotaxis of benzoxazinoids (BXs) and wheat root through indoor culture tests. The effects of BXs on FOF mycelial growth, spore germination, spore production, and electrical conductivity were examined. The influence of BXs on the ultrastructure of FOF was investigated through transmission electron microscopy. Eukaryotic mRNA sequencing was utilized to analyze the differentially expressed genes in FOF upon treatment with BXs. FOF exhibited a significant positive chemotactic effect on BXs in wheat roots and root secretions. BXs possessed the potential to exert significant allelopathic effects on the mycelial growth, spore germination, and sporulation of FOF. In addition, BXs demonstrated a remarkable ability to disrupt the structural integrity and stability of the membrane and cell wall of the FOF mycelia. BXs possessed the capability of posing threats to the integrity and stability of the cell membrane and cell wall. This ultimately resulted in physiological dysfunction, effectively inhibiting the regular growth and developmental processes of the FOF.

Global changes in gene expression during compatible and incompatible interactions of faba bean (Vicia faba L.) during Orobanche foetida parasitism.

Orobanche foetida Poiret is the main constraint facing faba bean crop in Tunisia. Indeed, in heavily infested fields with this parasitic plant, yield losses may reach 90%, and the recent estimation of the infested area is around 80,000 ha. Identifying genes involved in the Vicia faba/O. foetida interaction is crucial for the development of effective faba bean breeding programs. However, there is currently no available information on the transcriptome of faba bean responding to O. foetida parasitism. In this study, we employed RNA sequencing to explore the global gene expression changes associated with compatible and incompatible V. faba/O. foetida interactions. In this perspective, two faba bean varieties (susceptible and resistant) were examined at the root level across three stages of O. foetida development (Before Germination (BG), After Germination (AG) and Tubercule Stage (TS)). Our analyses presented an exploration of the transcriptomic profile, including comprehensive assessments of differential gene expression and Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analyses. Specifically, we investigated key pathways revealing the complexity of molecular responses to O. foetida attack. In this study, we detected differential gene expression of pathways associated with secondary metabolites: flavonoids, auxin, thiamine, and jasmonic acid. To enhance our understanding of the global changes in V. faba response to O. foetida, we specifically examined WRKY genes known to play a role in plant host-parasitic plant interactions. Furthermore, considering the pivotal role of parasitic plant seed germination in this interaction, we investigated genes involved in the orobanchol biosynthesis pathway. Interestingly, we detected the gene expression of VuCYP722C homolog, coding for a key enzyme involved in orobanchol biosynthesis, exclusively in the susceptible host. Clearly, this study enriches our understanding of the V. faba/O. foetida interaction, shedding light on the main differences between susceptible and resistant faba bean varieties during O. foetida infestation at the gene expression level.

Effect of Intercropping by Flax, Radish and Fenugreek on Faba Bean, <i>Vicia faba</i> L., Production and Reduction of <i>Orobanche crenata</i> Forsk Seed Bank

Faba bean <i>Vicia faba</i> L. is a primary source of protein in the diet of masses in Egypt. Broom-rape, <i>Orobanche crenata</i> Forsk (Orobanchaceae), present great threat parasitic weed to some crops in Egypt including faba bean. Egyptian farmers were forced to abandon growing faba bean crops due to <i>O. crenata</i> heavy soil infestation. Several methods have been used for controlling this parasite, but without obvious success. Many researches have shown that intercropping has been more effective than monocropping in suppression of parasitic weeds. The effect of intercropping (fenugreek, radish and flax) using two resistant cultivars (Giza 843& Misr 3) on the emergence of the broomrape spikes and faba bean production were carried out. Intercropping flax or fenugreek among faba bean cultivars, caused a significant reduction in the infestation levels of <i>O. crenata</i> and increased the faba bean yield compared with sole treatments. Flax was more effective in the reducing infestation rate by <i>O. crenata</i> than fenugreek. This reduction appeared to be related to reduced seed germination which may have been as a result of allelochemicals released by fenugreek roots, though this was not confirmed in this study. The reduction in weed infestation was more pronounced in Giza 843, than in Misr 3. Flax treatment showed the lowest weed infestation compared with other intercropping treatments. Fenugreek intercropping treatment resulted in the highest pod yield for both Giza 843 and Misr 3. Using resistant cultivars intercropping with fenugreek or flax is very promising trend that generally combines both good yield and low number of emerged spikes that reduce broomrape seed bank in the infected soils, with variations depending on the cultivar and growing season.

Protection faba bean crop against root rot disease using chitosan nanoparticles and mycorrhizal fungi (A Review).

Protection faba bean crop against root rot disease using chitosan nanoparticles and mycorrhizal fungi (A Review).

Phytochemical analysis of crop extracts and assessment of their allelopathic effect on germination and seedling growth of wild mustard (Sinapis arvensis) and faba bean (Vicia faba var. minor)

This study explored the allelopathic potential of sorghum, rapeseed, and oat extracts at various concentrations on wild mustard and faba bean seeds. The chemical composition of these extracts, including flavonoids, terpenes, and phenolic compounds, was analyzed qualitatively and quantitatively. Wild mustard seeds showed significant susceptibility to aqueous extracts, with complete suppression of germination observed at concentrations of 75% and 100% (v/v). Conversely, the germination rate of faba bean remained largely unaffected, whereas root and shoot lengths exhibited differential responses based on the concentration and specific plant extract. Notably, certain treatments, particularly rapeseed (at 75%) and rapeseed-sorghum combinations (at 50% and 75%), inhibited wild mustard germination and stimulated radicle and hypocotyl growth in faba beans. This differential reactivity suggests the potential of faba beans as an alternative to weed management in its cultivation. Overall, aqueous extracts from sorghum, rapeseed, and oats displayed significant phytotoxic effects on wild mustard, while inducing varied responses in faba bean seeds. These findings underscore the promise of these extracts as eco-friendly alternatives for weed management in faba bean crops, warranting further exploration and optimization of sustainable agricultural practices.

Faba bean and spring barley in sequence with catch crops: Grain yields and nitrate leaching

Context/ProblemImporting protein into Europe is causing sustainability challenges, which has resulted in an increasing European interest in locally growing faba bean as a protein source. There is, however, a concern that this may result in higher nitrate leaching compared with conventional cereal-based systems. Objective/Research questionWe investigated the risk of nitrate leaching and its mitigation strategy after growing faba bean with catch crops within a conventional European cropping system that also includes catch crops in spring barley. MethodsWe conducted a field experiment with faba bean (Vicia faba L.) and three catch crops (chicory (Cichorium intybus L.), perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) and winter rye (Secale cereale L.)) grown in sequence with spring barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) and replicated in time over a period of three years. Continuous spring barley with catch crops (perennial ryegrass and fodder radish (Raphanus sativus L.)) were used as a reference. Measurements included grain yield and grain nitrogen (N) of the main crops, aboveground biomass and N yield of the catch crops, and nitrate leaching. ResultsGrain yield and grain N of faba bean grown with undersown catch crops were not statistically different than without catch crop and post-harvest sown catch crops. Catch crops with faba bean had lower aboveground biomass and N yield than with spring barley. Faba bean as pre-crop compensated for the reduced amount of fertilizer input and also increased the grain yield and grain N of the subsequent spring barley. In 2020–21, nitrate leaching from both spring barley and faba bean without catch crops was not statistically different, with an average of 64 kg NO3-N ha−1. In contrast, in 2021–22, nitrate leaching after faba bean without catch crops was higher with 104 kg NO3-N ha−1, compared with spring barley with 68 kg NO3-N ha−1. Catch crops significantly reduced nitrate leaching on average by up to 55 kg NO3-N ha−1 from faba bean and 62 kg NO3-N ha−1 from spring barley fields. ConclusionsThe study reveals that growing faba bean can reduce N fertilizer input without compromising the grain yield and grain N of following spring barley. Variable nitrate leaching between years from faba bean requires more research on diverse pedo-climatic and agronomic conditions to better assess nitrate leaching risks and reduction strategies. Implications or significanceThese results will aid in designing cropping systems including faba bean and catch crops combinations to reduce N fertilizer input and nitrate leaching risks and improve protein sufficiency.

Intercropping Maize with Faba Bean Improves Yield, Income, and Soil Fertility in Semiarid Environment.

Continuous adoption of improved maize varieties in the last three decades has changed farm landscapes from heterogeneity to maize homogeneity in semiarid areas of Ethiopia. This has substantially decreased maize productivity. Recently, farmers have integrated faba bean into maize-based farming systems aimed at increasing productivity. Yet, there is limited information on the effects of maize-faba bean intercropping on productivity and land-use efficiency. We studied the effects of maize intercrops with two faba bean varieties (Gora and Moti) at three different densities (25, 50, and 75%) of the recommended sole faba bean (250,000 plants ha-1) on yield, economic return, and some soil fertility indicators in Tigray, northern Ethiopia. Randomized complete block design with three replications was used for the experiment. The intercrops revealed that a significantly higher total grain yield, economic revenue, and land equivalent ratio (LER) over the sole cropping. Intercrops also showed higher soil organic carbon and total nitrogen compared to the preplanting soil and sole maize. Maize intercropped with the Gora faba bean variety at a density of 50% increased the total grain yields, economic return, and LER, respectively, by 13, 42, and 38% over the sole maize. The intercrop also increased soil total N by 55 and 22% compared to the preplanting soil and sole maize, respectively. Intercropping maize with faba bean significantly improved crop yield, income, land-use productivity, and some soil fertility indicators than either the sole maize or faba bean crop in the semiarid region of northern Ethiopia.

Effect of Climate, Crop Protection, and Fertilization on Disease Severity, Growth, and Grain Yield Parameters of Faba Beans (Vicia faba L.) in Northern Britain: Results from the Long-Term NFSC Trials

Faba beans are one of the most suitable grain legume crop for colder, maritime climates. However, there is limited information on the effect of changing from conventional to organic production methods and potential impacts of global warming on the health and performance of faba bean crops in Northern Europe. We therefore assessed the performance of faba beans grown with contrasting crop protection (with and without pesticides) and fertilization (with and without P and K fertilizer input) regimes used in organic and conventional production in seven growing seasons. Conventional crop protection and fertilization regimes had no effect on foliar disease severity, but resulted in small, but significant increases in faba bean yields. The overall yield gap between organic and conventional production regimes was relatively small (~10%), but there was substantial variation in yields between growing seasons/years. Redundancy analysis (RDA) showed that climate explanatory variables/drivers explained the largest proportion of the variation in crop performance and identified strong positive associations between (i) temperature and both straw and grain yield and (ii) precipitation and foliar disease severity. However, RDA also identified crop protection and variety as significant explanatory variables for faba bean performance. The relatively small effect of using P and K fertilizers on yields and the lack of a measurable effect of fungicide applications on foliar disease severity indicate that the use of these inputs in conventional faba beans may not be economical. Results also suggest that the yield gap between organic and conventional faba bean production is significant, but smaller than for other field crops.

Phytosanitary management of ICARDA’s germplasm seed collections for safe movement and better future use

Abstract Germplasm exchange from international genebanks and breeding programs is vital for successful crop improvement programs. More than 10,000 different accessions of wheat, barley, lentil, faba bean, chickpea, grasspea, and pasture and forage crops are distributed by the International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA) every year to around 70 countries. New accessions are added to the germplasm collections in the Center's genebank and utilized in the breeding programs. Recent years have witnessed an increasing global concern about the loss of plant genetic resources because of conflicts, human pandemic diseases, extreme weather events, pest and disease outbreaks, and natural calamities such as earthquakes, floods, etc., which led to disrupting access to germplasm and undermining social protection systems. Safety duplication of germplasm collections held in genebanks in other institutions, including international, regional, and national genebanks, as well as the Svalbard Global Seed Vault (SGSV), is one of the essential measures to safeguard germplasm and also to replenish any lost accessions and resume use and distribution of seeds to users internationally. Germplasm distribution procedures are conducted per International Plant Protection Convention phytosanitary regulations to avoid the transboundary spread of seed-borne pests and pathogens. The ICARDA’s Seed Health Laboratory exercises maximum efforts to maintain the “phytosanitary clean” health status of germplasm during regeneration, conservation, distribution and ensure compliance with phytosanitary regulations in international germplasm distributions to guarantee minimum loss of genetic resources. These efforts include the development of new methods to detect and manage seed-borne pathogens. An increase in global awareness to preserve germplasm for current and future use is crucial to combat climate challenge, malnutrition, and food insecurity.

Effect of Spraying with Magnesium and Manganese on Yield and its Components of Faba Bean Crop (Vicia Faba L.)

The field experiment was conducted in Al-Majd district, which is 7 km north of Al-Muthanna governorate, during the winter of 2022–2023. The purpose was to study the effect of spraying with magnesium and manganese on the yield and components of the Luz De Otono lentil crop variety. Magnesium was sprayed at four concentrations (0, 40, 80, and 120 mg Mg per liter), and manganese was sprayed at three concentrations (0, 20, and 40 mg Mn per liter). The study employed a split-plot design with three replications and a randomised complete block design (RCBD). The outcomes demonstrated that spraying magnesium at a concentration of 80 mg Mg l-1 increased the amount of pods, seeds per pod, and overall seed production significantly, with rates of growth of 16.11%, 11.43%, and 28.05% for the traits, respectively, compared to the comparison treatment. The results also showed that increasing the manganese concentration to 40 mg Mn l-1 led to a considerable rise in seed output and pod production gave averages of 10.42 pods of plant-1 and 2.62 t ha-1 for traits, respectively, compared to the no-spray treatment. The interaction between magnesium and manganese significantly affected most of the studied features. The combination (Mg2 × Mn2) outperformed and gave the highest average in total seed yield, reaching 3.24 tons per hectare. Meanwhile, the combination (Mg1 × Mn2) showed the highest seed number and protein percentage average, reaching 5.23 seeds per pod and 24.62%, respectively.