Faba Bean Yield Research Articles

Complementary resource use in intercropped faba bean and cabbage by increased root growth and nitrogen use in organic production

AbstractIntercropping can improve yield and nitrogen use efficiency in organic vegetable production by pairing crops with complementary resource use. An intercrop field experiment was conducted to determine yield, root growth and nitrogen (N) dynamics using faba bean (Vicia faba L.) grown as a vegetable and pointed cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata cv. conica). Both crops were grown in monocropping (MC) and intercropping systems (IC). Minirhizotrons were used to measure root growth. Yield of pointed cabbage per metre row was 28% higher under the IC system than under MC, whereas faba bean yield as fresh seeds did not differ. The land equivalent ratio was 1.06, showing that improved yield under IC resulted from efficient land resource use. Even though MC cabbage had the highest aboveground biomass, total N accumulation was higher under IC and MC faba bean systems. Both root frequency and intensity were greater under IC faba bean rows compared with MC faba bean because of the presence of cabbage roots in faba bean rows. Monocropped cabbage had the highest root intensity and the lowest amount of soil mineral N in the 0–1.5 m depth after harvest. Monocropped cabbage was efficient in assimilating N, whereas MC faba bean was efficient in exporting N as harvestable yield. The nitrogen use efficiency using the IC system (75%) was higher than growing faba bean (44%) and cabbage (65%) alone. Thus, faba bean as an intercrop in organic cabbage production systems improves land and N use efficiency by complementary root growth.

Effects of Different Doses of Poultry Manure Application on Yield Components and Yield of Different Faba Bean (Vicia faba L.) Varieties

Background: A study was conducted to determine the effects of different doses of poultry manure application on the yield and some yield components of faba bean crop under ecological conditions of Siirt province, Southern Eastern Anatolian Region of Turkey. Methods: The study was carried out in randomized complete block design with 3 replications. The main plots were varieties and the sub-plots were poultry manure doses. At 15 days prior to sowing, 0 (control), 500, 1000, 1500 kg ha-1 of poultry manure was spread and mixed with a rake. Result: All observed parameters were effected from poultry manure doses. Application of 1000 kg/ha poultry manure was found superior in terms of yield and yield related parameters. Grain yield was highest at 1000 kg/ha poultry manure application in 2017 and 2018, (2119 kg/ha and 2083 kg/ha, respectively). Salkım variety was superior in terms of grain yield and most of the other parameters. Both varieties were yielded higher and most of the parameters were higher in 2017 compared to 2018. As a result of the study, cropping “Salkım” faba bean variety with 1000 kg/ha poultry manure application in South Eastern Anatolia or similar ecologies was proposed for higher grain yields.

Modelling the impacts of climate change on faba bean (Vicia faba L.) production in Welmera area, central Ethiopia

Climate change is affecting agricultural production and other aspects of life but only limited number of studies took interest in characterizing and projecting climate and its impact on crop production at local level. The threat to agricultural sector is more serious in Ethiopia, where climate is influenced by diverse topography and varying landscape features. This study was conducted in Welmera area to model the impacts of climate change on production of two faba bean (Vicia faba L.) varieties (Tums and Gora). Historical climate and crop yield data were obtained from the National Meteorological Agency of Ethiopia and Holeta Agricultural Research Center, respectively. Future climate data were downscaled by an average ensemble of four GCMs (BSS-CSM1-1, HadGEM2-ES, MIROC-ESM, NorESM1-M) in near- and mid-century (2030s and 2050s) under both RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5. Rainfall by near-century will increase by up to 50% depending on the concentration pathway considered compared to the baseline period (1988–2017). The projected average rainfall total of belg season (FMAM) will increase by 88.17% under RCP 4.5 scenario and 95.38% under RCP 8.5 scenario in near-century. The future projection revealed that the highest mean monthly rainfall and temperature changes will occur in July (147.3 mm/month) and August (0.24 °C/month) under RCP8.5. However, in August and September mean monthly rainfall will decrease dramatically by 50.85 % and 31.05% from 2020 to 2079 under RCP 8.5 and RCP 4.5, respectively. The yield of Tumsa variety will decrease by up to 24.19% under RCP8.5 in mid-century. Gora variety will see an increase of yield by 18.24% under RCP 4.5 in mid-century and 28.03% under RCP 8.5 in near-century. Overall, the area will experience an increase and a decrease in faba bean yield for both varieties in the upcoming decades in the study area. Performance evaluation of the models showed that they were able to predict future yield faba bean varieties in the area with acceptable accuracy. Inconsistency of future climate variables and impact on fababean production underscores the need to develop location-specific adaptation strategies. Further studies that consider wider area could be necessary to better understand the impact of future climate on faba bean production in the study area and similar agroecologies in the country.

Progression of chocolate spot (Botrytis fabae) and grain yield of faba bean as influenced by integration of fungicide rate and host resistance in Southern Ethiopia

Progression of chocolate spot (Botrytis fabae) and grain yield of faba bean as influenced by integration of fungicide rate and host resistance in Southern Ethiopia

Yield performance and optimal nitrogen and phosphorus application rates in wheat and faba bean intercropping

Yield performance in cereal and legume intercropping is related to nutrient management, however, the yield response of companion crops to nitrogen (N) input is inconclusive and only limited efforts have focused on rationed phosphorous (P) fertilization. In this study, two multi-year field experiments were implemented from 2014–2019 under identical conditions. Two factors in a randomized complete block design were adopted in both experiments. In field experiment 1, the two factors included three planting patterns (mono-cropped wheat (MW), mono-cropped faba bean (MF), and wheat and faba bean intercropping (W//F)) and four N application rates (N0, 0 kg N ha–1; N1, 90 and 45 kg N ha–1 for wheat and faba beans, respectively; N2, 180 and 90 kg N ha–1 for wheat and faba beans, respectively; and N3, 270 and 135 kg N ha–1 for wheat and faba beans, respectively). In field experiment 2, the two factors included three P application rates (P0, 0 kg P2O5 ha–1; P1, 45 kg P2O5 ha–1; and P2, 90 kg P2O5 ha–1) and the same three planting patterns (MW, MF, and W//F). The yield performances of inter- and mono-cropped wheat and faba beans under different N and P application rates were analyzed and the optimal N and P rates for intercropped wheat (IW) and MW were estimated. The results revealed that intercropping favored wheat yield and was adverse to faba bean yield. Wheat yield increased by 18–26%, but faba bean yield decreased by 5–21% in W//F compared to MW and MF, respectively. The stimulated IW yield drove the yield advantage in W//F with an average land equivalent ratio (LER) of 1.12. N and P fertilization benefited IW yield, but reduced intercropped faba bean (IF) yield. Nevertheless, the partial LER of wheat (pLERwheat) decreased with increasing N application rates, and the partial LER of faba bean (pLERfaba bean) decreased with increasing P application rates. Thus, LER decreased as N input increased and tended to decline as P rates increased. IW maintained a similar yield as MW, even under reduced 40–50% N fertilizer and 30–40% P fertilizer conditions. The estimated optimum N application rates for IW and MW were 150 and 168 kg ha–1, respectively, and 63 and 62 kg ha–1 for P2O5, respectively. In conclusion, W//F exhibited yield advantages due to stimulated IW yield, but the intercropping yield benefit decreased as N and P inputs increased. Thus, it was concluded that modulated N and P rates could maximize the economic and ecological functions of intercropping. Based on the results, rates of 150 kg Nha–1 and 60 kg P2O5 ha–1 are recommended for IW production in southwestern China and places with similar conditions.

Effect of Some Agronomic Practices on Ascochyta Blight Severity and Yield of Faba Bean (Vicia faba L.) in Tunisia

Background: In Tunisia, faba bean (Vicia faba L.) is the first major food legume. The development of faba bean production is facing several biotic constraints. Faba bean Ascochyta blight caused by Ascochyta fabae is one of the most destructive diseases of faba bean and can cause significant yield loss under favorable conditions. As only incomplete resistance ABL varieties are available, some agronomic practices should be applied to control and reduce Ascochyta blight incidence wherever possible. Therefore, this work was undertaken to evaluate the effect of spacing row and seed rate on ABL severity, growth and yield of faba bean. Methods: A split-plot design with three replications was adopted to carry out this study during 2018 and 2019 cropping seasons. ‘Bachaar’ faba bean variety was sown at 40 and 60 cm row spacing and at three seed rates (100, 140 and 200 kg ha-1). ABL severity was assessed visually on a 0-9 scale and agro-morphological traits were measured. Analysis of variance was used to analyze the data. Correlations between agronomic traits, row spacing, seed rate and ABL severity were investigated. Result: Results showed that seed rate has a larger effect on yield than row spacing. In both cropping seasons, the highest grain yield was recorded in 60 cm row spacing and 140 kg ha-1 seed rate treatment. So, this treatment is recommended for obtaining high yield of faba bean. Most of the variation in disease severity was associated with seed rate (r=0.62). The highest ABL score severity was noted at 200 kg ha-1 rate. Over both years, wide row spacing and low seed rate reduced ABL severity. In this study, the small amounts of ABL disease (which reached a score of 5.3 and 4.7 in 2018 and 2019, respectively) had little or no effect on yield.

Effects of nitrogen regulation and strip intercropping on faba bean biomass, nitrogen accumulation and distribution, and interspecific interactions

AbstractEffects of nitrogen fertilization on the accumulation and distribution of biomass and plant nitrogen content in intercropped faba beans, together with its impact on the interspecific interactions between faba bean and wheat has not been well studied. Here, we have used a logistic model to analyze the cropping systems (i.e., monocropped faba bean, monocropped wheat, and faba bean intercropped with wheat) by evaluating the effects of different levels of nitrogen application on the dynamic changes in biomass and nitrogen accumulation, along with the interspecific interaction. Using monocropped and intercropped faba beans in field experiments spanning two years, we found that nitrogen application increased both monocropped and intercropped faba bean yields. The yield of intercropped faba beans was greatest at the lower nitrogen input for two consecutive years. Nitrogen application increased the biomass and nitrogen accumulation in both monocropped and intercropped faba beans. The simulation parameters that increased were maximum nitrogen accumulation (A') and maximum accumulation rate (R'max) while the initial cumulative rate (r') decreased. Compared with monocropping, intercropped faba bean–wheat showed increased yield and biomass accumulation, along with a significantly increased initial growth rate (r) and a maximum instantaneous growth rate (Rmax). Intercropping reduced stem and leaf biomass and the nitrogen distribution ratio while increasing the pod content. In the early intercropped faba bean growth stage, there was no competition for nutrients or any kind of yield advantage, while in the later stages, the nutrient competitiveness of intercropping was stronger than the intraspecific competition, showing the advantages of intercropping on biomass and yield (i.e., relative crowding coefficient [K] >1, relative interspecific competitiveness [RC] >0, and relative competition intensity [RCI] <0). In summary, nitrogen application of 45 kg ha–1 could be the desired amount that maximizes the nutrient competition and interspecific advantages in the middle and late stages of faba bean growth when intercropped, thus contributing to the yield.

Effect of Intercropping Between Garlic and Faba Bean on Yield and Infestation by Some Piercing-Sucking Insect Pests

Faba bean is an important food crop in Egypt, with seeds of 22 % protein. In addition, it is considered a land reclaiming crop, as it enriches the soil with some nitrogen fertilizer. The current study was conducted at the experimental farm of Sakha Agricultural Research station to manage some piercing-sucking insects with unconventional methods. Garlic was intercropped with faba bean to find the repellent effect of garlic, as a volatile crop, against the abovementioned insects. The solid faba bean gave the highest values of faba bean yield, number of branches, pods and seeds per plant, as well as number of seeds / pod, 100-seed weight and protein content. On the other hand, these values, except plant height, were higher in case of intercropping faba bean with Balady garlic compared to Sids-40 garlic. Concerning garlic yield attributes, Balady garlic intercropped with faba bean produced higher values of bulb diameter and bulb weight / plant, as well as number of cloves per bulb and clove weight compared to Sids-40 garlic. In 2018 / 19 season, the population density of Aphis craccivora was reduced by 55.66 and 32.47 % due to intercropping between faba bean and Balady garlic or Sids-40 garlic, respectively. Empoasca lybica population was reduced by 54.67 and 35.72%, and that of Bemisia tabaci was 59.92 and 35.26 %. Similar results were obtained in 2019/20 season. The current results show that intercropping between faba bean and garlic enhanced the total net crop income, and helped in managing these insects.

Effect of irrigation regimes using saline water on faba bean (Vicia faba L.) yield and water productivity in an arid environment*

AbstractA 2‐year study was conducted to assess the effects of irrigation regimes using saline water on soil salinization, yield, water productivity, and net income of faba bean (Vicia faba L.) under actual farming conditions in arid regions of Tunisia. Faba bean (cvs. Luz de Otono and local) was grown on a sandy soil and drip‐irrigated with water having an electrical conductivity of 6 dS m−1. Two deficit irrigation (DI70 and DI40) and one full irrigation (FI) strategy consisting of applications of 40%, 70%, and 100% of crop evapotranspiration (ETc), respectively, were compared to the traditional farmers' irrigation method (FM) in which 16 mm irrigation were applied every 5 days from planting till harvest. Results showed that the lowest soil salinity values at harvest were observed under FI treatment, while the highest were obtained with DI40 and the FM. The maximum values of faba bean yields were obtained under FI and the lowest with the FM. No significant reduction in yields was observed with the DI70 treatment compared to FI, while DI40 and the FM significantly decreased the fresh pod yields. Using 12%–20% more irrigation water than FI treatment, the FM did not improve soil salinity but resulted in a significant yield reduction compared to FI. Total water productivity values varied between 4.9 (FM) and 14 kg m−3 (DI40) across different years and treatments. Compared to the FM, which applies fixed amounts with the same frequency, the FI strategy, which adapts the irrigation amounts to the actual crop water requirements, was more productive and provided a significant advantage in terms of yield and net income. Under limited availability of irrigation water, adoption of the DI70 treatment was found to be a good alternative as it allowed 30% water saving and was subject to limited negative effects on soil salinity, yield, and net income.

Effect of intercropping systems on yield and its component in onion / faba bean crops .

The current investigation was conducted during 2016/2017, 2017/2018 and 2019/2020 seasons to study the effect of intercropping faba bean (main crop) –onion (secondary crop) on the yield and yield components and nutrient uptake. The experiment design was a randomized complete blocks with three replicates. The experiment included 11 treatments of cropping system (sole faba bean, sole onion, 1faba bean:1 onion, 1faba bean:2onion , 1faba bean:3onion, 2faba bean:1onion, 2faba bean:2onion, 2faba bean:3onion, 3faba bean:1onion, 3faba bean:2onion and 3faba bean:3onion). Results reported that 1faba bean :3onion was not significantly different as compred with sole onion and recorded the highest value of vegetative parameters; plant height (cm), leaf number, bulb diameter (cm) and plant fresh weight (g). Same trend was observed for yield and yield components, and nutrient uptake compared to other intercropping systems. However, regarding to faba bean vegetative characters, 3faba bean :1onion gave the greatest value with no significant difference comparing with sole faba bean and other intercropping systems treatments. Similar trend turned into discovered for nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium uptake. Among all intercropping and sole faba bean treatments, 3faba bean:1onion recorded significant increase in total yield of faba bean with an increase percentage 13.51%, 16.55% and 13.84% during 1st, 2nd, and 3rd seasons ,respectively. the intercropping system of 3faba bean:1onion or 1faba bean : 3onion could be againful model to obtain the greatest use efficiency of land and irrigation water.

Essential Oil of Foeniculum vulgare Mill. as a Green Fungicide and Defense-Inducing Agent against Fusarium Root Rot Disease in Vicia faba L.

Simple SummaryPlant extracts, including essential oils, are a viable alternative method for controlling plant diseases. This work deals with the exploitation of fennel seed essential oil (FSEO) to inhibit Fusarium solani and control Fusarium root rot disease in Vicai faba. In vitro FSEO inhibited mycelium growth by up to 80% at 400 µL/mL of FSEO. In vivo, the protective effects against Fusarium root rot disease were recorded when FSEO was applied to Vicia faba seeds. The FSEO reduced the disease severity from 98% in plants grown in infested soil with Fusarium solani to 60.1% in plants that previously had their seeds treated with FSEO. GC-MS spectrometry analyses showed that the major chemical components in the essential oil were D-limonene, menthol, estragole and 2-decenal. Applications of the essential oil resulted in increased total phenolic and flavonoid contents in leaves compared with untreated inoculated (control) plants. The defense-related genes, such as defensin and chitinase, were differentially expressed. This study revealed that the essential oil of fennel seed was effective as a control agent against Fusarium root rot in broad beans.Fusarium solani, the causative agent of root rot disease is one of the major constraints of faba bean (Vicia faba L.) yield worldwide. Essential oils have become excellent plant growth stimulators besides their antifungal properties. Foeniculum vulgare Mill. (fennel) is a familiar medicinal plant that has inhibitory effects against phytopathogenic fungi. Herein, different concentrations of fennel seed essential oil (FSEO) (12.5, 25, 50, 100, 200 and 400 μL/mL) were examined against F. solani KHA10 (accession number MW444555) isolated from rotted roots of faba bean in vitro and in vivo. The chemical composition of FSEO, through gas chromatography/mass spectroscopy, revealed 10 major compounds. In vitro, FSEO inhibited F. solani with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 25 µL/mL. In vivo, FSEO suppressed Fusarium root rot disease in Vicia faba L. by decreasing the disease severity (61.2%) and disease incidence (50%), and acted as protective agent (32.5%) of Vicia faba L. Improvements in morphological and biochemical parameters were recorded in FSEO-treated faba seeds. Moreover, the expression level of the defense-related genes defensin and chitinase was noticeably enhanced in treated plants. This study suggested using FSEO as a promising antifungal agent against F. solani not only to control root rot disease but also to enhance plant growth and activate plant defense.

Rhizobium Inoculation and Chemical Fertilisation Improve Faba Bean Yield and Yield Components in Northwestern Ethiopia

The productivity of the faba bean has declined in Ethiopia, owing to poor management practices, such as blanket fertilisation. In 2018, a field experiment was conducted in a Nitisol soil during the main cropping season in Northwestern Ethiopia, to determine the amount of chemical fertiliser and Rhizobium inoculant to be used for the optimum yield within economic feasibility. The experiment consisted of a factorial combination of five rates of blended NPSZnB fertiliser (0, 60, 121, 180 and 240 kg ha−1) and three rates of inoculant (0, 500 and 750 g ha−1). Sole chemical fertilisation, as well as inoculation, individually produced a seed yield of 2.3–2.5 t ha−1, about 1.0–1.2 t ha−1 more than the control. However, the maximum seed yield (3.3 t ha−1) was recorded from the combined application of both the chemical fertiliser and the inoculant. The seed yield correlated closely with the number of active nodules (R2 = 0.78 **), suggesting a substantial contribution of symbiotic N2 fixation. Inoculation increased the N content of the seed yield by at least 30 kg ha−1. Chemical fertilisation, containing at least 44 kg ha−1 of mineral N does not appear to have an adverse effect on N2 fixation. The combined use of 180 kg ha−1 blended fertiliser with 750 g ha−1 inoculant, producing a maximum net profit of 72,918 birr ha−1 (EUR 2232), is recommended for the study area. This study emphasises that (1) inoculation alone can produce as much seed as the maximum rate of chemical fertilisation, but (2) the maximum yield was produced with a combined use of inoculant and chemical fertiliser, by promoting the vigour of the nodules and N2 fixation.

Morphological, molecular characterization, plant pathogenicity and biocontrol of Cladosporium complex groups associated with faba beans

Vicia faba (faba bean) is one of the most significant leguminous crops. The faba bean is specialized by maximum nutritional value, in energy and protein content, which leads it to be suitable for food and feed production. Diseases caused with fungi are amongst the biotic factors responsible for decreasing in faba bean yields. In this work, Cladosporium isolates were recorded in cultivated faba bean leaves and pods collected from markets in Qena, Upper Egypt; morphological features and molecular characterization based on actin gene were performed. The ability of the pathogens to cause disease in faba bean seedlings and the biocontrol method to avoid the pathogenic effect of Cladosporium were determined. Results showed that Cladosporium is the main genera isolated from faba beans, and the morphological criteria showed presence of three species complex groups of Cladosporium (C. cladosporioides, C. herbarum and C. sphaerospermum) and the confirmation with molecular characterization revealed the existence of four species in the three groups. All the 26 tested strains of Cladosporium were able to cause leaf lesions on Vicia faba seedlings with different levels. Chaetomium globosum is a biocontrol agent could inhibit the growth of the majority strains of Cladosporium.

Genetic diversity for agro-morphological characters and nutritional compositions of some local faba bean (Vicia faba L.) genotypes

This study was carried out in Mediterranean climate and under rainfed conditions in Turkey for a period of three years throughout the growing seasons of 2014/2015, 2015/2016 and 2016/2017. It was conducted in a randomized complete block experimental design (RCBD) with three replications. In present study, genetic diversity for agro-morphological characters and macro/ microelements were investigated in sixteen promising local faba bean genotypes originated from Turkey. According to the results of the study, mean grain yield varied from 2320 kg ha-1 (Tekirdağ-39) to 3130 kg ha-1 (Burdur-50). 100-grain weight and branches per plant had high heritability and genetic advance as a percentage of mean. As for path analysis; plant height, branches per plant and 100-grain weight had a major role in improving the grain yield of faba bean. Therefore, effective selection for mentioned traits can be made for increasing grain yield in faba bean. Wide diversity for macro and micronutrients in the studied local genotypes can be considered for improving new faba bean cultivars in Mediterranean climate conditions as well.

Effect of Bio-Organic Fertilizers on Faba bean Growth, Yield and Soil Health

Effect of Bio-Organic Fertilizers on Faba bean Growth, Yield and Soil Health

Effect of Bio-Organic Fertilizers on Faba bean Growth, Yield and Soil Health2

Effect of Bio-Organic Fertilizers on Faba bean Growth, Yield and Soil Health2

Effects of Ridge Tillage and Straw Mulching on Cultivation the Fresh Faba Beans

Ridge tillage is an effective agronomic practice and a miniature precision agriculture; however, its effects on the growth of faba beans (Vicia faba L.) are poorly understood. This study aimed to determine the effect of ridge tillage and straw mulching on the root growth, nutrient accumulation and yield of faba beans. Field experiments were conducted during 2016 and 2017 cropping seasons and comprised four treatments: ridge tillage without any mulching (RT), flat tillage without any mulch (FT), flat tillage with rice straw mulched on the ridge tillage (FTRSM) and ridge tillage with rice straw mulched on the ridge tillage (RTRSM). The RT and RTRSM increased soil temperature and decreased soil humidity and improved soil total nitrogen, total phosphorus, available potassium and organic matter. RT and RTRSM increased the root length density, root surface area, root diameter and root activity of faba beans at flowering and harvest periods. The RT and RTRSM also increased the nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium absorption and the yield of faba beans. These results indicated that ridge tillage and straw mulching affect faba bean growth by improving soil moisture conditions and providing good air permeability and effective soil nutrition supply. This study provides a theoretical basis for the high yield cultivation improvement of faba beans.

Management of Pea Leaf Weevil (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) and Development of a Nominal Threshold in Faba Beans.

Pea leaf weevil, Sitona lineatus (L.) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), can reduce the yield of field pea [Pisum sativum (L.) (Fabales: Fabaceae)] and faba bean [Vicia faba (L.) (Fabales: Fabaceae)]. Adults feed on the foliage and larvae feed on root nodules and nodule-associated Rhizobium Frank (Rhizobiales: Rhizobiacea) bacteria. In this study, we developed a data-based nominal threshold for pea leaf weevil in faba bean. We further tested the efficacy of insecticidal seed treatment and foliar insecticide (thiamethoxam and lambda-cyhalothrin, respectively), and nitrogen amendment for pea leaf weevil control using a multi-year field plot study at two sites in Alberta, Canada. Pea leaf weevil feeding damage significantly reduced faba bean yields. Thiamethoxam reduced adult and larval damage, and protected faba bean yield, while neither lambda-cyhalothrin nor a nitrogen amendment was effective in protecting yield. The percentage of seedlings with feeding on the terminal leaf had a negative relationship with yield and was used to estimate a nominal threshold near 15% of seedlings with terminal leaf damage. Since lambda-cyhalothrin is not effective in managing pea leaf weevil on faba bean, there is a need to research additional integrated pest management strategies to reduce prophylactic insecticidal seed treatments.

Impact of Intercropping of Different Crops with Two Faba Bean Cultivars on Infestation with Broomrape

Background: Broomrape (Orobanche crenata Forsk.) is a major biotic stress of faba bean and affects the yield adversely. The impact of intercropping to curb the spread and progress of parasite was tested by using two faba bean cultivars under heavily soil infested conditions of broomrape. The present study was aimed to evaluate intercropping of fenugreek, flax, garlic or radish with two faba bean cultivars on broomrape incidence to increase faba bean yield, land usage and economic return in heavy soil infestation of broomrape.Methods: During winter seasons of 2017/2018 and 2018/2019, the treatments were the combinations of two faba bean cultivars (Nubaria 1 and Nubaria 2) and four intercrops (fenugreek, flax, garlic and radish), as well as sole plantings of all the tested crops under heavily infestation of broomrape were tested in field conditions. A split-plot design with three replicates was used. Faba bean cultivars were assigned in the main plots and intercropping and sole plantings of faba bean were arranged in sub plots. Result: Results showed that Nubaria 2 had two mechanisms to broomrape offensive, mainly including cell wall build-up and stamping of vascular tissues. It also had higher soil oxalic and ascorbic acid concentrations than Nubaria 1. Sole Nubaria 1 rhizosphere had higher soil formic acid whereas, fenugreek + Nubaria 2 had higher soil oxalic, ascorbic and salicylic acids concentrations in faba bean rhizosphere. Lower number of spikes per m2 and their dry weight per m2 were obtained by radish + Nubaria 2 followed by flax + Nubaria 2. Radish + Nubaria 2 recorded higher land equivalent ratio and economic return followed by flax + Nubaria 2. Growing one row of radish or flax between two rows of Nubaria 2 in ridges 60 cm width could be an integrated control strategy to increase faba bean productivity, land usage and economic return under heavily soil infested with broomrape.

Nitrogen supply and intercropping control of Fusarium wilt in faba bean depend on organic acids exuded from the roots

Fusarium wilt in faba bean (Vicia faba L.) is caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. fabae (FOF), which reduces the yield of crop. We used greenhouse, field and laboratory experiments to evaluate the role of organic acids in the occurrence of Fusarium wilt of faba bean to confirm the mechanism of rational application of nitrogen (N) and intercropping to alleviate Fusarium wilt. We investigated the response of organic acids exuded from the roots of faba bean to different N levels and cropping patterns (monocropping and intercropping with wheat). The results showed that the application of N and intercropping with wheat could control the Fusarium wilt of faba bean, which was closely related to the components and quantity of organic acids exuded from its roots. Among them, tartaric acid and malic acid are the most abundant and important, because they have a significant inhibitory effect on the growth and reproduction of FOF and substantially aid in the control of Fusarium wilt. The application of 90 kg ha−1 of N combined with wheat intercropping significantly controlled the Fusarium wilt and increased the grain yield of faba bean. Our results suggest that 90 kg ha−1 of N combined with intercropping is the most effective way to control Fusarium wilt and should be incorporated into agricultural management practices.