Faba Bean Production Research Articles

Optimizing faba bean cultivation: assessing varietal performance in spring and fall

The need to identify specialty crops in Virginia has driven interest in faba beans (Vicia faba L.), which offer potential benefits for crop rotation systems. As a cool-season crop, faba beans can be planted in both fall and spring, providing flexibility in farming schedules. A field study was conducted at Randolph Farm, the Virginia State University Research and Extension Farm, using a completely randomized factorial block design. This study examines the performance of seven faba bean varieties—Ethiopia, NEB247, Aprovecho, EN3, EN47, Windsor and EN45—across three spring (late February, late March and mid April), and three fall (late September, early October and late October) planting dates. Our results demonstrate that both variety and planting date significantly influence the yield and yield components of faba beans. Among the varieties tested, Windsor and EN47 exhibited superior traits across multiple categories, making them preferable for achieving high yields. Conversely, varieties such as EN45, Aprovecho, and NEB247 showed poor performance. Fall planting dates generally resulted in superior growth, yield, and maturity characteristics, underscoring their importance for maximizing faba bean production. We observed that faba beans planted in the fall had 58% more branches, 100% more shoot dry matter, 34% higher 100-seed weight, double the grain yields, and 8% higher harvest index compared to those planted in the spring. To further enhance faba bean production, additional studies are suggested to clarify the physiological relationships between photosynthesis rates and the sink-source dynamics. Furthermore, investigating how planting dates impact the nutrient components of faba beans will provide deeper insights into optimizing their cultivation.

Cost-effective and optimal control analysis for mitigation strategy to chocolate spot disease of faba bean

Faba bean is one of the most important grown plants worldwide for human and animal. Despite its various importance, the productivity of faba bean has been constrained by several biotic and abiotic factors. Many faba bean pathogens have been reported so far, of which the most important yield limiting disease is Chocolate Spot Disease (Botrytis fabae). The dynamics of disease transmission and decision-making processes for intervention programs for disease control are now better understood through the use of mathematical modeling. In this paper a deterministic mathematical model for Chocolate Spot disease (CSD) on faba bean plant with an optimal control model was developed and analyzed to examine the best strategy in controlling CSD. The optimal control model is developed with three control interventions, namely prevention (u1\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$u_{1}$$\\end{document}), quarantine (u2\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$u_{2}$$\\end{document}) and chemical control (u3\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$u_{3}$$\\end{document}). The Pontryagin’€™s maximum principle isused to derive the Hamiltonian, the adjoint variables, the characterization of the controls and the optimality system. A cost-effective approach is chosen from a set of possible integrated strategies using the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER). The forward-backward sweep iterative approach is used to run numerical simulations. We obtained the Hamiltonian, the adjoint variables, the characterization of the controls and the optimality system. The numerical results demonstrate that each integrated strategy can reduce the diseases within the specified period. However due to limited resources, an integrated strategy prevention and uprooting was found to be a best cost-effective strategy to combat CSD. Therefore, attention should be given for the integrated cost-effective and environmentally eco-friendly strategy by stake holders and policy makers to control CSD and disseminate the integrated intervention to the farmers in order to fight the spread of CSD in the Faba bean population and produce the expected yield from the field.

Faba bean-wheat intercropping controls the occurrence of faba bean Fusarium wilt by improving the microecological environment of rhizosphere soil

BackgroundFusarium wilt is a severe soil-borne disease that affects faba bean production. Faba bean-wheat intercropping is often used to control the occurrence of Fusarium wilt in faba bean. AimsTo evaluate the effects of faba bean-wheat intercropping on the occurrence of faba bean Fusarium wilt and soil microecology. MethodsWe established two planting patterns, faba bean monocropping (M) and faba bean-wheat intercropping (I), to investigate Fusarium wilt occurrence and plant dry weight and assess changes in soil enzyme activities, microbial diversity, and community composition during different stages of disease onset. ResultsIntercropping effectively controlled faba bean Fusarium wilt at the three disease stages and increased the dry weight of faba bean plants. Intercropping promoted the activities of catalase (CAT), urease, sucrase, and acid phosphatase in the rhizosphere soil of faba bean at three disease stages. Bacterial and fungal diversity decreased with disease progression, and intercropping mitigated this trend. Compared with monocropping, intercropping increased the abundance of beneficial bacteria such as Proteobacteria, Actinobacteriota, Gemmatimonadota, Gemmatimonas, Conexibacter, and Sphingomonas, while reducing the abundance of pathogenic fungi such as Alternaria, Cladosporium, and Fusarium. Intercropping also increased the abundance of arbuscular mycorrhiza, soil saprophytes, and undefined saprophytes while decreasing the abundance of plant pathogens. ConclusionFaba bean-wheat intercropping enhanced soil enzyme activities, effective nutrient content, and alpha diversity indices of bacteria and fungi in the rhizosphere soil of faba bean, while promoting the abundance of beneficial bacteria, arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, as well as both soil and undefined humus. Simultaneously, intercropping reduced the abundance of plant pathogens, facilitated nutrient cycling in the soil, provided sufficient nutrients for crop uptake, and mitigated the toxic effects of hydrogen peroxide on cells. Ultimately, this resulted in a reduced occurrence of Fusarium wilt.

The Collaborative Role of Non-Synthetic Fertilizers on Production of Faba Bean (Vicia faba L.) in Ethiopia's Central Highlands, Ejere District

This study sought to determine how non-synthetic fertilizers collaborated to produce faba bean in the 2019–20 and 2021–2022 cropping seasons in agricultural settings in the Ethiopian district of Ejere. The treatments were laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replications. The collected data were subjected to analysis of variance by SAS statistical platform version 9.3. Means were compared with the Least Significance Difference (LSD) at a 5% probability level. To compute the economic advantage of the intervention, farm get prices of inputs and outputs were considered and marginal rate of return (% MRR) was work out for each treatment, and values ≥100 was set as profitable in absolute terms. The mean outcome of the two years’ worth of data analysis showed that there was substantial (p ≤ 0.05) difference in all parameters among the treatments at Ejere. At Ejere, the treatments (FB-17 + 0.76 ton ha-1 VC), (FB-17+ 0.57 ton ha-1 VC), (0.76 ton ha-1 VC) and (FB-17+ 0.38 ton ha-1 VC) yielded the highest mean GYs (3582kg ha-1), (3535kg ha-1), (3430 kg ha-1) and (3234 kg ha-1), respectively. However, the results of the partial budget analysis showed that the treatments (FB-17) and (FB-17 + 0.57 ton ha-1 VC) had the greater marginal rates of return 7218% and 1148%, respectively. These treatments are thought to be very good candidates for more testing in farmers' fields across various aggro-ecologies in order to determine which ones are the best substitute non-synthetic fertilizers for faba bean production in Ethiopia's Nitisol zones.

Faba bean (Vicia faba L.) seed value chain: implications for a sustainable seed supply in Eastern Amhara Region, Ethiopia

This research aimed to assess the production performance of faba beans, quantify the yield gap, and measure the adoption levels of improved varieties to map the actors and identify the major constraints of the faba bean seed value chain. The paper was based on primary data collected from a random sample of 168 farmers. The adoption rate of improved faba bean seed at the household level in the study area was 23%. It was low, primarily due to a lack of access to improved seeds (59.5%) and a lack of knowledge about the availability of improved varieties (23%). Improved seed users had a 13% higher average yield than non-users and received an 11% premium market price for better seed quality, uniform appearance, and larger beans. Furthermore, the econometric analysis revealed that family size and extension contact significantly influence farmers' use of improved seed. Adoption was positively and significantly associated with extension contact at the p < .001 level and inversely correlated with family size (p < .05), thereby indicating that larger families were less likely to adopt. Farmers' saved seed was their most important source of planting material. The formal seed industry only supplies about 2.2% of the total faba bean seed. Hence, farmer-to-farmer seed exchange, own-saved seed, community-based seed production, scaling activities, seed producer and marketing cooperatives, and farmer-to-farmer seed exchange were the main sources of faba bean seed. The main limitations to faba bean production were disease, limited availability of improved seeds, frost, and damage caused by pests. The study recommends promoting improved varieties, improving access to extension services, strengthening and improving the informal seed system, and linking and integrating all the actors in the chain. The institutional linkage and intensive communication among all the stakeholders are also important for technology scaling up and farmers’ easy access to improved seeds.

A Preliminary Evaluation of Faba Bean as a Green Shell Bean in Virginia, USA

Even though faba bean (Vicia faba L.) is an important food crop on worldwide basis, its use as a vegetable i.e. use of green seeds as food is limited. We were interested in characterizing production and food quality traits of faba bean grown in eastern USA. Our main objective is to develop faba bean as a winter alternative crop for this region to diversify cropping system that currently mainly depends upon cereal grain crops. This necessitates existence of winter-hardy faba bean varieties. We conducted a preliminary experiment with two winter-hardy faba bean breeding lines to record production and seed composition traits. Two faba bean lines (VSX-BL and VSX-BH) were planted in the field in November 2022 and green pods were harvested in June 2023 at physiological maturity. Values of most of the traits under study were statistically similar between the two lines except for concentration of phosphorus. Results demonstrated that faba bean green pod and green seeds yields could be approximately 5700 and 2100 kg ha-1. The shelling percent in green faba bean pods was approximately 37 whereas seed number per pod was approximately 2.6. Concentrations (g 100 g-1) of fructose, glucose, and sucrose were 0.245, 0.668, 2.9021, respectively whereas concentrations of Fe and Zn (mg kg-1) were 103.7 and 69.7, respectively. Green faba bean seeds contained small amounts of RFO carbohydrates. Seed composition traits of green faba bean seeds compare well with green seeds of pea, soybean, and white lupin. Our results provide a positive proof of concept that production of green faba bean as an alternate winter food legume crop in eastern USA is possible.

First report of Stemphylium eturmiunum causing Stemphylium blight on Vicia faba in Canada

Faba bean is an important, protein-rich pulse crop grown worldwide, with increasing acreage in Canada in the last 50 years. Stemphylium blight can cause substantial yield losses due to defoliation of the plant. In 2022, high incidence levels of Stemphylium blight were observed in research plots at Rosthern and Melfort, SK. Based on morphological characteristics, DNA barcoding, and virulence testing, S. eturmiunum was confirmed as the causal pathogen of these Stemphylium blight lesions. This is the first report of S. eturmiunum infection causing Stemphylium blight on faba bean in Canada. Based on the severity of symptoms it can cause, S. eturmiunum has the potential to pose a serious threat to faba bean production.

Occurrence, distribution, and genetic diversity of faba bean viruses in China.

With worldwide cultivation, the faba bean (Vicia faba L.) stands as one of the most vital cool-season legume crops, serving as a major component of food security. China leads global faba bean production in terms of both total planting area and yield, with major production hubs in Yunnan, Sichuan, Jiangsu, and Gansu provinces. The faba bean viruses have caused serious yield losses in these production areas, but previous researches have not comprehensively investigated this issue. In this study, we collected 287 faba bean samples over three consecutive years from eight provinces/municipalities of China. We employed small RNA sequencing, RT-PCR, DNA sequencing, and phylogenetic analysis to detect the presence of viruses and examine their incidence, distribution, and genetic diversity. We identified a total of nine distinct viruses: bean yellow mosaic virus (BYMV, Potyvirus), milk vetch dwarf virus (MDV, Nanovirus), vicia cryptic virus (VCV, Alphapartitivirus), bean common mosaic virus (BCMV, Potyvirus), beet western yellows virus (BWYV, Polerovirus), broad bean wilt virus (BBWV, Fabavirus), soybean mosaic virus (SMV, Potyvirus), pea seed-borne mosaic virus (PSbMV, Potyvirus), and cucumber mosaic virus (CMV, Cucumovirus). BYMV was the predominant virus found during our sampling, followed by MDV and VCV. This study marks the first reported detection of BCMV in Chinese faba bean fields. Except for several isolates from Gansu and Yunnan provinces, our sequence analysis revealed that the majority of BYMV isolates contain highly conserved nucleotide sequences of coat protein (CP). Amino acid sequence alignment indicates that there is a conserved NAG motif at the N-terminal region of BYMV CP, which is considered important for aphid transmission. Our findings not only highlight the presence and diversity of pathogenic viruses in Chinese faba bean production, but also provide target pathogens for future antiviral resource screening and a basis for antiviral breeding.

Effect of variety, growing location and year on composition, certain antinutritional factors, and functionality of faba beans (Vicia faba) grown in Canada

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesFaba bean is a rich source of proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. It serves as a staple food in Asia, Africa, and the Mediterranean region. Faba bean production in Canada has recently increased due to the interest in sustainable plant‐based proteins. Identifying faba bean varieties that can grow across different environments and provide good quality, nutrition, and functionality is important. This study aimed to determine the effect of variety, growing location, and year on the composition, certain anti‐nutrients, and functionality of the faba bean varieties grown in Canada.FindingsVariety, growing location, and year had significant effects on the protein content, crude fat, ash, phytic acid, stachyose, verbascose, trypsin inhibitor activity, and functional properties of faba beans, including oil emulsion and water holding capacity. Starch content, total dietary fiber, and least gelling concentration were significantly affected by variety and growing location, whereas raffinose, oil absorption capacity, foaming capacity, and stability were significantly affected by variety and growing year. Significant interactions of variety, growing location, and year were observed for most characteristics. Environment played a greater role in affecting faba bean characteristics than variety except for starch content, total dietary fiber, oligosaccharides, and foaming stability.ConclusionsIt was found that varietal and environmental factors affected each trait differently. Selecting suitable varieties and growing conditions would improve the quality of faba bean.Significance and NoveltyInformation from this study will be useful to breeders, growers, and food manufacturers to improve the production and utilization of faba beans.

Optimization of N Fertilizer and Synergistic Intercropping to Enhance the Productivity Advantage of Faba Bean and Effective Control of Chocolate Spot Epidemics.

Intercropping of wheat/faba bean is a common practice within the legume-cereal family. However, the benefits of nitrogen (N) fertilizer-optimized synergistic intercropping in improving faba bean productivity while controlling the prevalence of chocolate spot disease have not been established. This study conducted continuous field experiments spanning two planting seasons to investigate two key findings: (i) Optimizing N fertilizer application can enhance the productivity of intercropped faba bean. (ii) The percentage severity index (PSI) during the period of maximum prevalence rate (Rmax) of faba bean chocolate spot disease poses a substantial challenge to faba bean yield. The results indicated that the land equivalent ratio and transgressive overyielding index for each intercropping treatment increased with higher N fertilizer application, exceeding a value of 1, and the land saving proportion also exceeded 0. Intercropping primarily enhances productivity, as measured by the harvest index (HI), by amplifying the complementary effect rather than the selection effect, thus improving the net benefit of intercropping. The HI of single and intercropped faba bean increased with the N1 and N2 treatments in both planting seasons. However, the HI of single and intercropped faba bean at the N3 level decreased significantly, ranging from 17.85 to 29.62%. Furthermore, a notable negative correlation was established between the PSI during critical epidemic (initial epidemic, maximum epidemic rate, and late epidemic) periods and observed and expected faba bean yields. As the PSI increased, faba bean yields decreased, and the PSI of intercropping at different periods was lower than that observed in the single cropping. Additionally, intercropping with the optimized N fertilizer treatment (N2 treatment) exhibited an enhanced relative control effect on chocolate spot disease in faba bean, ranging from 35.21 to 52.36%. This finding confirmed the productivity advantage of intercropping faba bean. In conclusion, this study suggested that optimizing N fertilizer application can enhance the productivity of intercropped faba bean. Wheat/faba bean intercropping effectively controlled the PSI during the period of Rmax, which would otherwise threaten faba bean yield. Consequently, this practice ensured sustained advantages of wheat/faba bean intercropping.

Effect of NPS Rates and Row Spacing on Production of Faba Bean (Viciafaba L.) at High-land of North Shewa Zone of Oromia, Ethiopia

Plant density and poor soil fertility are among the major factors that limit faba bean production in the study areas. Therefore, a field experiment was conducted to determine the optimum NPS (nitrogen, phosphate, and sulfur with the ratio of 19% N, 38% P2O5, and 7% S) rate and appropriate inter-row spacing for faba bean production in the highlands of the north Shewa zone of Oromia, Ethiopia. Factorial combination of four rates of NPS (0, 50, 100, 150 kg ha-1) and four inter-row spacing (30, 40, 50, 60cm) were laid out in a Randomized Compete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. The result of the study indicated that the soil required amending with organic fertilizers to enhance soil fertility. Both the main and the interaction effects of NPS and inter-row spacing significantly influenced the faba bean phenological and growth parameters. However, NPS had more profound effects in enhancing the growth response of the crop than inter-row spacing. Increasing the rate of NPS from nil to 100 kg ha-1 resulted in a 30% increase in grain yield, with no further increases noted beyond this level. However, the result revealed that increased inter-row spacing from 30cm to 60cm decreased grain yield. Decreasing inter-row spacing implies high plant density, which consequently correlates with high yield. The total yield per unit area depends not only on the performance of individual plants but also on the density of plants per unit area, as confirmed in this study. The maximum net benefit of 91,639.5 ETB ha-1 with an acceptable marginal rate of return 486.3% was obtained from the application of 100 kg ha-1 NPS rate and 30 cm inter-row spacing. Thus, this rate and inter-row spacing are suggested for faba bean production in the north shewa zone.

Genetic potential and inheritance pattern of agronomic traits in faba bean under free and infested Orobanche soil conditions

BackgroundOrobanche is an obligate parasite on faba bean in the Mediterranean region, causes considerable yield losses. Breeding tolerant faba bean genotypes to Orobanche is pivotal to sustain production and ensuring global food security, particularly considering the challenges posed by population growth. In the present study, seven faba bean lines and four testers were used in a line×tester mating design during 2020–2021 and 2021–2022 growing seasons. The eleven parents and their 28 F1 crosses were evaluated under Orobanche free and naturally infested soils.ResultsThe results demonstrated considerable variations among the evaluated genotypes, wide diversity among the parental materials, and heterotic effects for all studied agronomic traits under Orobanche-free and infested soils. Orbanche infestation displayed a significant adverse impact on all the studied agronomic traits. The genotypes Line1, Line2, Line3, and Line5 displayed superior performance under Orobanche-infested conditions and recorded the highest values of all studied agronomic traits. Additionally, Line1, Line2, Line3, Line5, and Line7 exhibited desirable significant GCA for most evaluated traits under the two infestation conditions. The obtained crosses displayed significant negative or positive heterosis for studied agronomic characters such as plant height, number of branches per plant, number of pods per plant, number of seeds per plant, and seed weight per plant were observed. Furthermore, specific cross combinations such as Line2×Sakha3, Line3×Nubaria5, Line7 × Nubaria5, Line6×Nubaria1, Line5×Sakha3, Line1×Sakha3, and Line1 × Nubaria5 exhibited superior performance in seed yield and contributing traits under Orobanche-infested conditions. Moreover, these specific crosses showed superior efficacy in reducing dry weight of Orobanche spikes. The results obtained from GGE biplot analysis closely aligned with those from the line×tester procedure, affirming the significance of GGE biplot as a valuable statistical tool for assessing genotype combining ability in line× tester data. Both additive and non-additive gene actions were reported to be predominantly involved in the inheritance of the studied agronomic traits in faba bean.ConclusionsThe detected genetic diversity within the evaluated faba bean genotypes and their developed crosses exhibits substantial potential for improving faba bean productivity under Orobanche-infested conditions. The parental genotypes, Line1, Line2, Line3, Line5, and Line7, were identified as effective and promising combiners. Moreover, the developed crosses Line2×Sakha3, Line3×Nubaria5, Line7×Nubaria5, Line6×Nubaria1, Line5×Sakha3, Line1×Sakha3, and Line1×Nubaria5 could be considered valuable candidates for developing high-yielding and tolerant faba bean genotypes to Orobanche.

Impact of Bio and Organic Adamants and Per-sowing Seeds Magnetic Field Together with Mineral Nitrogen Fertilizer on Some Soil Physical and Chemical Properties and Faba Bean Productivity under Saline Soil Conditions

Two filed experiments were conducted at Sahl- El-Hussinia , agricultural research station, El-Sharkia Governorate, Egypt, 31o - 8' – 12.461" N and 31o - 52' – 15.469 E. during two successive winter seasons 2020/2021 and 2021/ 2022 , for studying the effective of used bio-fertilizer (Rhizobium radiobacter Sp.strain (Salt Tolerant PGPR),humate potassium and pre-sowing seeds faba bean magnetic field different times (5, 10 and 15 min) combined with mineral N fertilizer at rates (15, 30 and 45 N kg/fed) on some soil chemical and physical properties and faba bean quality and productivity . The studied treatments were arranged within the experimental units in a split split plot design in three replicates. Results indicated that the all treatments had improved soil properties decreased soil salinity and soil pH soil and EC values decreased related to different treatments using foliar application reporting EC decreased value from (11.88 to 11.28) dS/m, pH soil decreased slightly this maybe inverted to the activity of microorganisms .were achieved increased OM% from (0.57 to 0.54) related to application of bio fertilizer and humates as compared mineral fertilizer and control,CEC from ( 43.92 to 41.84) Mol/kg, respectively application. the superior impact was increased the soil total porosity values compared to other treatments and control, moreover, the Data obtained that the values of drainable pores (DP) and water holding pores (WHP) were higher than the other pores in different treatments. The results also found that the effect of physical properties on magnetic field strength (MFS) has a marked influence on the magnetization effect, the optimal magnetizing condition was the magnetic field was maximized in a time of 15 minutes. The data explained that the application of all amendments decreased soil HC (cm h-1) values when compared to the control. The improvement perwise the pronounced decrease in hydraulic conductivity of the studied soil may be attributed to the creation of QDP point, and the dominance of SDP point and QDP point compared with other pore sizes and the value of bulk density is decreased by adding the application of all amendments as Bio-fertilizer and humate potassium as compare with all treatments and control, while the total porosity and capillary porosity increased in the plow layer of soil and other yield components as affected with humate potassium combined with 45 kg mineral N fertilizers under magnetic field at 15 min compared other treatments. Finally, The superior influence faba bean quality was bio-fertilizer and potassium humate as will as presowing seed magnetic field at 15 min.

Irrigation regime with organic and bio-fertilizers for faba bean production grown on sand clay loam soil

Water scarcity is a major challenge for faba bean production, especially in arid and semi-arid regions. This study investigated the effect of deficit irrigation and organic or bio-fertilization on faba bean yield and water use efficiency (WUE). The experiment was conducted in two consecutive winter seasons in Egypt, and the average results of the two seasons were presented because there were no significant differences between the two seasons. The experimental design was split-plot with three replicates in each season. The main plots were assigned to the amounts of irrigation water [3330 m3 ha−1 (I1), 2830 m3 ha−1 (I2), and 2330 m3 ha−1 (I3)] and the subplots were devoted to the fertilization treatments [control, humic acid (HA), fulvic acid (FA), and effective micro-organisms (EM)]. The results showed that the plant height and branch numbers were increased by 139.95 and 242.03%, respectively, for HA at irrigation treatment of I2 over the control. Adding HA increased chlorophyll and protein contents by 209.04 and 295.46%, respectively, over the control at irrigation regime of I2. Adding HA significantly increased pods number, pods weight per plant, and total green yield by 380.21, 314.51, and 420.28%, respectively, over the control. The WUE value was 4.51 kg m−3 by adding HA under deficit irrigation I2 compared to irrigation I3 (2.64 kg m−3) while the WUE value was 4.58 kg m−3 at normal irrigation (I1). Overall, the application of organic or bio-fertilizers, especially humic acid, could mitigate the negative effects of deficit irrigation and improve faba bean yield and WUE.

Enhancing faba bean (Vicia faba L.) productivity through establishing the area-specific fertilizer rate recommendation in southwest Ethiopia.

The aim of this study is to establish area-specific NPSB (18.9% N, 37.7% P2O5, 6.95% S, and 0.1% B) fertilizer rate recommendations for the optimal grain yield of faba bean. The field experiment was conducted in two locations in the 2021 and 2022 cropping seasons using a randomized complete block design with three replications. The nine treatments included 0, 25, 50, 75, 100, 125, 150, 175, and 200 kg ha-1 NPSB fertilizer rates. An economic analysis was conducted for grain yield using the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center procedure. The analysis of variance results showed that blended fertilizer significantly (p < 0.01) affected plant height, number of pods per plant, number of seeds per plant, hundred seeds weight, biomass yield, grain yield (GY), and harvest index. The combined location mean result showed that applying a 125 kg ha-1 NPSB rate produced the highest GY (4857.2 kg ha-1). The result of economic analysis demonstrated that applying a 125 kg ha-1 NPSB rate earned the highest net benefits (212824.0 ETB ha-1) and marginal rate of return (3653.43%). Therefore, a 125 kg ha-1 NPSB fertilizer rate is recommended for high yield and profitability of faba bean production in the study area and other similar soil types.

Effect of Intercropping by Flax, Radish and Fenugreek on Faba Bean, &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Vicia faba&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; L., Production and Reduction of &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Orobanche crenata&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; Forsk Seed Bank

Faba bean &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Vicia faba&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; L. is a primary source of protein in the diet of masses in Egypt. Broom-rape, &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Orobanche crenata&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; 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 &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;O. crenata&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; 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&amp; 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 &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;O. crenata&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; and increased the faba bean yield compared with sole treatments. Flax was more effective in the reducing infestation rate by &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;O. crenata&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; 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.

Performance Evaluation and Adaptability of Improved Faba Bean (Vicia Faba L.) Varieties in the Highlands of North Shewa Zone, Oromia

Field experiment was conducted at Degam, H/Abote, D/Libanos, Jida and Wachale districts of North Shewa Zone, Oromia region, Central Ethiopia with the objectives of evaluating adaptable and best yield performing improved Faba bean varieties for further demonstration and scaling up during the main cropping season of 2020, 2021 and 2022. The experiment was conducted using randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. In the experiment, thirteen improved faba bean varieties and one local control were used to evaluate their performance. Parameters like seed yield (qt/ha), 1000 seed weight in gram, number of pod per plant, number of seed per pod, plant height (cm) were measured to assess the actual field performances of different faba bean varieties. The data were analyzed by R software. Grain yield and most of yield components were significantly affected by main effect of variety, environment and interaction of variety and environment. The results revealed that there were significant (P &amp;lt; 0.01) variations between the varieties for yield. Higher yield was recorded on Welki and Ashebeka varieties while low yield was recorded from Tosha and Shalo. In addition the stability analysis indicated that as the mean of grain yield is more stable across locations as compared to other variety. Also, in this study it was found that there is 24.5 % and 19.1% increment of yield using of Welki and Ashebeka variety respectively as compared to local variety at the study area. Therefore, farmers located at the study area are recommended to use those varieties to increase faba bean production yield.

Prediction of antioxidant capacity in faba bean from individual phenolic constituents

The relationship between individual phytochemical constituents and overall antioxidant capacity or total phenolic content (TPC) is poorly understood in faba bean. This study used a range of linear and nonlinear regression techniques to investigate whether the antioxidant capacity and TPC of 60 faba bean samples (flour and methanolic extracts) could be predicted from 12 individual compounds (10 common polyphenols and 2 alkaloid glycosides) measured in the same samples. Nonlinear regression using machine learning with a Radial Basis Function showed the best performance for antioxidant and TPC prediction across all sample types, while multiple linear regression allowed moderately accurate predictions in most sample matrices. Improved performance metrics were seen for the methanolic extracts compared to the flour samples. The strongest predictors of antioxidant activity in the multiple linear regression models were protocatechuic acid, p-hydroxybenzoic acid, and ferulic acid, suggesting that these compounds are particularly important contributors to the high antioxidant activity of faba bean. Understanding the relationship between individual constituents and the antioxidant capacity may help food technologists and plant breeders develop faba bean products with maximal health benefits.

Life cycle inventory and assessment of Canadian faba bean and dry bean production

Pulses are nutritionally beneficial and cost-effective food/feed products, and are also nitrogen-fixing crops that can improve the environmental sustainability of annual cropping systems when included in crop rotations – particularly with respect to GHG emissions. Canada is a major producer and exporter of pulses, therefore the goals of this study were to (a) develop regionalized life cycle inventories (LCIs) for Canadian faba and dry beans suitable for incorporation into public LCI databases and (b) conduct ISO 14044-compliant LCAs of Canadian faba, navy, pinto, and kidney beans at provincial, ecozone, and national scales. LCI data were collected via survey from ~200 Canadian faba and dry bean farmers.At the national scale of aggregation, faba beans had considerably lower impacts across all impact categories considered than the three dry bean types. This is due to their lower input requirements (particularly fertilizer), and higher nitrogen fixation capabilities. Among the three dry bean types considered, pinto beans had the lowest environmental impacts across most impact categories. Fertilizer production and field-level emissions from fertilizer use were the major contributors to the overall environmental impacts of the production of all bean types. In addition to differences between bean types, there were also differences within bean types, between regions of production and levels of regional aggregation. The results of the uncertainty analysis revealed that variability was lowest when aggregated at the ecozone level, based on soil and climate factors, and highest when aggregated to the national average. Taken together, these results demonstrate the utility of spatially-resolved LCI and LCA modelling that distinguishes between different types of pulse crops in order to accurately estimate impacts, and to support decision-making in pursuit of more sustainable food systems. Future research needs include more primary data on field-level biological nitrogen fixation and soil carbon fluxes, since these can significantly influence estimated environmental impacts.

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.