Faba Bean Yield Research Articles

An allelopathic evaluation of aqueous Aloe vera leaf and root extracts on the weed Sonchus oleraceus associated Vicia faba L.

This study aimed to evaluate the bioherbicidal effect of aqueous fresh extracts of leaves and roots of the Aloe vera plant on the broad leaf weed growth of Sonchus oleraceus associated faba bean plants. During the winters of 2020/2021 and 2021/2022, two pot experiments were carried out in the greenhouse of the National Research Center. Leaf and root aqueous extracts of Aloe vera were applied as soil and/or spray treatments at different concentrations. The results showed that there was significant inhibition in the fresh and dry biomass of S. oleraceus and was maximum with application of soil treatment (10%) of the leaf extract sequenced by spraying leaf extract at 20%. Furthermore, the inhibition of the weed growth was accompanied by an increase in the growth and yield of faba bean. The results indicated that phenols, flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins and saponins were present in the leaf extract, and there were smaller amounts of tannins and saponins in the root extract than in the leaf extract. Total phenols, flavonoids, alkaloids in the leaf extract was more than three times that of the root extract. The results also revealed that the presence of higher concentrations of natural substances in the leaf extract than in the root extracts gave it its efficiency in inhibiting the growth of S. oleraceus weeds.

Effectiveness of Epicoccum nigrum and Silver Nanoparticles in Controlling Chocolate Spot Disease and Enhancing Growth and Yield of Faba Bean (Vicia faba L.)

Effectiveness of Epicoccum nigrum and Silver Nanoparticles in Controlling Chocolate Spot Disease and Enhancing Growth and Yield of Faba Bean (Vicia faba L.)

Identification of Faba bean genetic loci associated with quantitative resistance to the fungus Botrytis fabae, causal agent of chocolate spot.

Chocolate spot, caused by the ascomycete fungus Botrytis fabae, is a devastating foliar disease and a major constraint on the quality and yield of faba beans (Vicia faba). The use of fungicides is the primary strategy for controlling the disease. However, high levels of partial genetic resistance have been identified and can be exploited to mitigate the disease. The partially resistant V. faba cultivar Maris Bead and susceptible Egyptian accession ig70726 were crossed, and a genetic mapping population of 184 individuals was genotyped in the F2 generation and screened for resistance to B. fabae infection in the F3, F5, and F6 generations in a series of field experiments. A high-density linkage map of V. faba containing 3897 DArT markers spanning 1713.7 cM was constructed. Multiple candidate quantitative trait loci (QTLs) in 11 separate regions of the V. faba genome were identified; some on chromosomes 2, 3, and 6 overlapped with loci previously linked to resistance to Ascochyta leaf and pod blight caused by the necrotrophic fungus Ascochyta fabae. A transcriptomics experiment was conducted at 18 h post-inoculation in seedlings of both parents of the mapping population, identifying several differentially expressed transcripts potentially involved in early stage defence against B. fabae, including cell-wall associated protein kinases, NLR genes, and genes involved in metabolism and response to reactive oxygen species. This study identified several novel candidate QTLs in the V. faba genome that contribute to partial resistance to chocolate spot, but differences between growing seasons highlighted the importance of multi-year phenotyping experiments when searching for candidate QTLs for partial resistance.

Can strip cropping reduce pest activity density and damage while increasing yield? A case study of organic cabbage and faba bean

This study assessed how strip cropping white cabbage (Brassica oleracea) and faba bean (Vicia faba) affects the activity density of pests – diamondback moth (Plutella xylostella) and flea beetles (Phyllotreta spp.) – and how this affects crop yields. The setup consisted of three 270m2 plots representing monocrops of faba bean and cabbage, and a plot of alternating strips of the two. The setup was established in 2018 and 2019. Activity density of P. xylostella was determined through yellow sticky trapping and Phyllotreta spp. activity density was determined by pitfall trapping. Crop yields were determined at harvest, and foliar damage to cabbage leaves was also assessed. The results showed that strip cropping reduced the activity density of P. xylostella, but no suppression effect was observed for Phyllotreta spp. Average foliar damage to cabbage was higher in the strip crop plot, but in 2018 the yield was also higher. Average faba bean yield was lower in the strip crop plot in both years. Our results indicate potential for cabbage-faba bean strip cropping to reduce the activity density of P. xylostella but not Phyllotreta spp. and to increase cabbage yield when overall pest pressure is moderate, but at the cost of faba bean yield. The case study shows that a Brassica vegetable – legume strip cropping system has potential for pest suppression in northern conditions, but agronomic compatibility of crop plants needs attention to ensure similar or higher productivity than a monocrop system.

Integrated management of faba bean gall (Physoderma viciae) disease using fungicide, host resistance and intercropping in northwestern Ethiopia

Faba bean is an important food legume crop that is consumed in various forms of diets across the world, including Ethiopia. However, productivity of the crop is affected by faba bean gall (Physoderma viciae) disease in the highlands of Ethiopia. Field experiments were conducted to evaluate an integrated effect of fungicide applications, moderately resistant varieties, and intercropping on gall disease epidemic and yield of faba bean at Farta, Ethiopia, during the 2019 and 2020 cropping seasons. Three Bayleton (triadimefon) fungicide applications (foliar spray, seed treatment, foliar spray + seed treatment) plus a control, three faba bean varieties, and two intercropping systems with sole cropping were used as treatments and arranged in a split-split plot design with three replications. Significant (p < 0.01) variations in gall disease components and faba bean yield were observed among treatments. Intercropping and the use of Bayleton applications in combination with the varieties Degaga and Tumsa reduced disease development and increased grain yield. The gall disease severity was reduced by spray applications at 90 days after planting. Intercropping of moderately resistant varieties Degaga and Tumsa with wheat and mustard significantly lowered the gall disease progression as compared to Bulga 70-wheat and -mustard intercropping in seed-treated plots. Integration of three sprays of Bayleton with Degaga provided the highest yield (5.27 t ha−1), followed by integrating foliar sprays + seed treatment with Degaga (4.97 t ha−1), and both treatments had higher net benefits than others in both years. Thus, integrating Bayleton as a seed treatment (1.5 g kg−1 of seeds) with moderately resistant varieties Degaga and Tumsa in both sole and intercropping systems could be used as cost-effective and environmentally safe management options.

The Potential Genetic Effect for Yield and Foliar Disease Resistance in Faba Bean (Vicia faba L.) Assessed via Morphological and SCoT Markers.

Faba bean is considered one of the most prominent grain legumes, with high protein content for human food consumption and livestock feed. The present study evaluated the nature of gene action and determined the genetic diversity among different populations of three crosses for resistance to foliar diseases at the molecular level. Analysis of variance exposed significant differences among the generations for all measured traits. Both dominance and additive gene effects were essential, but dominance genes, for the most part, exhibited greater effects than additive ones. This indicates an essential role for dominant genes alongside the additives one in inheriting such traits. The third cross (Marina × Giza 40) gave desired significant and positive (additive × additive) values for the number of pods/plant, seeds/plant, and seed yield/plant, in addition to desirable negative values for chocolate spot and rust characteristics. Furthermore, assessing the lines under study using seven SCoT primers disclosed three bands with recorded molecular weights of 260, 207, and 178 bp, generated by SCoT-1, SCoT-4, and SCoT-7 primers, respectively. These bands exist in the resistant parent (Marina), which could be attributed to the high-disease-resistance phenotypes, and they are absent in the sensitive parent (Giza 40) and other putative sensitive lines. Based on the molecular profiles and the genetic similarity between parents and the selected lines, the highest similarity value (0.91) was detected between Marina genotype and BC1, revealing a high foliar disease resistance. Meanwhile, Giza 40 (susceptible to foliar diseases) exhibited the maximum value (0.93) with F2. Additionally, cluster analysis based on genetic relationships was performed, and a high level of correlation between the results of PCR-based SCoT analysis and the foliar disease reactions was observed in the field. Consequently, this study concluded that SCoT markers created reliable banding profiles for evaluating genetic polymorphism among faba bean lines, which could be a foundation for developing an efficient breeding program.

Wheat and faba bean intercropping and cultivar impacts on morphology, disease, and yield

AbstractModern agriculture relies heavily on synthetic fertilizer and pesticide inputs. Pressure is increasing to find alternatives that reduce such inputs. In comparison to monocultures, intercropping can reduce plant diseases and increase yield, thereby reducing inputs and maximizing land use efficiency. However, knowledge gaps remain regarding which crop and cultivar combinations maximize such benefits. Here, we grew two wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and six faba bean (Vicia faba L.) cultivars in monoculture and intercrops over three seasons and measured plant morphology, disease prevalence, and yield. Wheat ear development was slower in monocultures but varied by cultivar and year. Wheat cultivars senesced faster in monocultures versus certain faba bean intercrop combinations. In both wheat cultivars, Fusarium spp. severity was higher, while yellow rust (Puccinia striiformis f.sp. tritici Westend.) was lower in monocultures versus intercropped plots but varied by year and faba bean cultivar. Chocolate spot (Botrytis fabae Sardiña) in faba bean was higher in the cultivar ‘Louhi’ when grown in monoculture. Wheat cultivars yielded higher in monoculture versus intercropped plots. Faba bean yield was higher in monocultures but depended on wheat cultivar and year. Land equivalent ratios (LER) were not affected by interactions between cultivars or years but were always above one in intercropped plots. This indicates that it is always more efficient for yield to intercrop. Our results show that the benefits of intercropping with different wheat and faba bean cultivars varied, indicating that specific goals (i.e., disease suppression and yield) should be considered when selecting wheat–faba bean cultivar combinations.

The effect of organic amendments on soil microbial activity and yield of faba bean (Vicia faba) inoculated with Rhizobium leguminosarum

A two year (2021 and 2022) field experiment was conducted to study the effect of organic amendments on soil microbial activity and yield of faba bean (Vicia faba L.) inoculated with Rhizobium leguminosarum at Savadkuh in the north of Iran as a factorial experiment based on a randomized complete block design with 3 replications. The treatments included seed inoculation at two levels (inoculation with Rhizobium leguminosarum bv. Viciae and non-inoculation) and fertilization at 5 levels [cattle manure (CM) @30 tonnes/ha, vermicompost of manure (VM) @20 tonnes/ha, vermicompost of Azolla (VA) @20 tonnes/ha, chemical fertilization based on soil analysis (NP), and control]. Present study found that the soil microbial biomass carbon (C) increased over time until 120 daysafter emergence (DAE). The maximum microbial biomass-C (441 mg/g soil) and bacterial count (545 × 105 cfu/ml) were obtained from the inoculated VA treatment. The highest yields of pods (14400 kg/ha) and seeds (1266 kg/ha) were obtained when the use of vermicompost was accompanied by inoculation of R. leguminosarum, so that in plants without inoculation, the use of vermicompost increased the yield of pods compared to the NP by 34% and compared to CM, it increased by 44%, but this increase was 39% and 19% for inoculated plants compared to NP and CM, respectively. Although the seeds of vermicomposted plants showed lower iron (Fe) content, they showed higher nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) content than other plants. In total, the results showed a significant improvement in soil microbial activity, absorption of nutrients and bean yield by using vermicompost(especially VA) under R. leguminosarum inoculation. Therefore, in the low-fertile soils of Iran, the combined use of high-quality vermicompost together with R. leguminosarum can strengthen soil microbial activity and bean production and be a suitable alternative to chemical fertilizers.

Integrated agroecological practices for sustaining weed management and improving faba bean (Vicia faba var. minor) productivity under low-input farming

Bearing in mind the negative impacts of intensive farming systems based on monoculture and heavy chemical usage, there is a need to find sustainable agroecological practices (AP). The introduction of legume crops through intercropping practices, mulching, and plant water extracts are among the non-chemical strategies for agroecological weed management. This study aimed to investigate the effect of different agroecological practices on weeds, soil microbial load, soil nutrients, and faba bean yield. The results showed that agroecological practices, especially the treatment including the combination of the three AP, significantly reduced weed density and biomass. The treatments improved the soil microbial load at the harvest stage, land equivalent ratio, faba bean yield, and yield components compared to the sole faba bean. However, no significant differences were recorded in the parameters related to the soil macronutrients. These findings suggest that the integration of intercropping, plant extracts and mulching practices could be an important ecological alternative for weed management associated with faba bean crops under low-input farming in the Meknes region, Morocco.

Effect of Different Sowing Dates and Row Spacing on Growth and Yield of Faba Bean under Khumaltar Environment

Faba bean (Vicia faba L.) is an annual minor grain legume locally known as Bakulla. An experiment on sowing dates and different row spacing was conducted at the National Agronomy Research Centre (NARC) Khumaltar from 2019/20 to 2021/22 to identify suitable sowing dates and row spacing. Three sowing dates (October 24, November 7, and November 21), row spacings (30 cm, 45 cm, and 60 cm), and plant-to-plant spacing of 10 cm were evaluated in a split plot with four replications. Plot size was maintained at 7.2 m2 (2 m x 3.6 m), the variety used was local, and the fertilizer dose applied was 20:40:20 N: P2O5:K2O kg ha-1. At physiological maturity, five plants per plot were sampled randomly for measurements of plant height, number of pods per plant, unfilled pods/plant, and 100 seed weight. Data on 50% flowering, days to 90% maturity, plant height, number of pods per plant, green pod yield, biological yield, and hundred seed weight were recorded. Combined analysis showed that sowing dates significantly influenced days to 50% flowering, final stand/m2, plant height, number of branches per plant, and number of pods per plant. The final stand/m2, plant height, straw dry matter, seed yield, and hundred seed weight were affected significantly by various row spacing. There was no significant interaction effect between sowing dates x row spacing, and all three factors (sowing dates x spacing x year) also had no significant interaction. The year they have significantly influenced all the parameters except 90% maturity and number of pods per plant. Sowing dates x year and spacing x year did not significantly influence all the parameters. Crop sown on October 24 produced the highest grain yield (1571 kg ha-1), followed by November 21 (1354 kg ha-1). Grain yields were significantly higher in 30 cm row spacing (1825 kg ha-1), mainly due to higher plant population per m2 than in 60 cm row spacing. It was concluded that the last week of October and 30 cm row spacing is suitable for faba bean production.

Faba Bean (Vicia faba L.) Yield Estimation Based on Dual-Sensor Data

Faba bean is an important member of legumes, which has richer protein levels and great development potential. Yield is an important phenotype character of crops, and early yield estimation can provide a reference for field inputs. To facilitate rapid and accurate estimation of the faba bean yield, the dual-sensor (RGB and multi-spectral) data based on unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) was collected and analyzed. For this, support vector machine (SVM), ridge regression (RR), partial least squares regression (PLS), and k-nearest neighbor (KNN) were used for yield estimation. Additionally, the fusing data from different growth periods based on UAV was first used for estimating faba bean yield to obtain better estimation accuracy. The results obtained are as follows: for a single-growth period, S2 (12 July 2019) had the best accuracy of the estimation model. For fusion data from the muti-growth period, S2 + S3 (12 August 2019) obtained the best estimation results. Furthermore, the coefficient of determination (R2) values for RF were higher than other machine learning algorithms, followed by PLS, and the estimation effects of fusion data from a dual-sensor were evidently better than from a single sensor. In a word, these results indicated that it was feasible to estimate the faba bean yield with high accuracy through data fusion based on dual-sensor data and different growth periods.

Effect of cultivar and inoculant on yields of faba beans (Vicia faba minor) and subsequent spring wheat (Triticum aestivum) under Scandinavian cropping conditions

Inoculation of legumes is generally considered to increase yield and to lower the need of nitrogen (N) fertilization, especially in semiarid regions and on sandy soils. It has not been clear whether inoculation with Rhizobium sp. in cropping of faba beans (Vicia faba minor) under Swedish conditions would improve yield and protein content. In 2015–2016, three faba bean cultivars and two strains of Rhizobium were studied in field trials in Central Sweden, including analyses of N fixation capacities using 15N abundance. The study did not show any effects of inoculation of Rhizobium on yield or protein content of faba beans or subsequent spring wheat yields. Yields of faba beans varied between cultivars but were not connected to inoculation. 15N abundance was influenced by rhizobium. The study cannot support the opinion that, generally, inoculation is beneficial for improved outcome of faba bean cropping under Scandinavian field conditions. No residual effect of inoculation on subsequent spring wheat yield was found.

Effect of Sowing Date of Resistant and Susceptible Faba Bean, &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Vicia faba&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; L. Cultivars on &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Orobanche crenata&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; Forsk Seed Bank and Faba Bean Production

The broomrape<i>, Orobanche crenat</i>a Forsk (Orobanchaceae) is a serious annual parasitic weed that causes considerable losses in many major crops including faba bean (Vicia faba L.). In Egypt: losses due to <i>O. crenata</i> parasitism may reach 40 to 100%. Despite using several methods to control <i>O. crenata,</i> success has not been achieved. The impact of different control tactics on <i>O. crenata </i>is not well understood<i>.</i> However, Sowing date appears to be one of the potential solutions for controlling <i>O. crenata</i>. In this work we investigated the effect of sowing dates on both the level of infection by <i>O. crenata</i> and the pod yield of faba bean using resistant (Giza 843) and susceptible (Nubaria 1) faba bean cultivars in naturally <i>Orobanche</i> infested soil. Moreover, the <i>Orobanche</i> seeds production was determined as an indication of seed bank future adding in soil. Under <i>Orobanche</i> free conditions, Nubaria 1 cultivar produces more pod yield than the resistant cultivar. The results demonstrated that, late sowing (3 weeks after normal sowing date) reduced significantly the number of emerged <i>O. crenata</i> shoots for both the resistant and the susceptible cultivars., Late sowing similarly contributed to a significant increase in pod yield (dry weight (kg)/plot) especially for Giza 843 (5.15 ± 0.02 Kg /plot), the resistant cultivar, which produced much higher pod yield than the susceptible Nubaria 1 cultivar (2.98± 0.06 Kg /plot) during the first season (2019 - 2020). During the second season (2020 - 2021), the pod yield was (3.85 ± 0.10) and (5.49± 0.76) Kg/plot for Giza 843 and Nubaria 1 cultivars, respectively, compared with the early sowing date. Furthermore, regarding both seasons, the seeds number per spike decreased significantly with the late sowing date in both the resistant and susceptible cultivars.

Mycorrhiza-inoculated biochar as an eco-friendly tool improves the broomrape control efficacy in two faba bean cultivars

Since broomrape weed has an intricate life cycle, its completely elimination is almost impossible. However, it is necessary to try to obtain modern means to reduce broomrape damage. Till now there is no effective methods can be used to reduce the broomrape seed bank in soil. Despite the documented favorable results of its role in amending several issues of the agricultural lands, the available knowledges related to the importance of biochar to protect faba bean from broomrape attacks are rare. Thus, the present work strived to find out the role of biochar alone or combined with mycorrhiza as novel and applicable practices to quench the attacks of broomrape against faba bean plants. A two-year field trail was implemented in broomrape-infested field. The experimental units of two cultivars (Sakha-1 and Misr-3) of faba bean were treated by mycorrhiza (VAM), rice biochar + VAM, peanut biochar + VAM, and glyphosate, in addition to the control treatment (weedy check). Findings clarified that broomrape spikes number and weight and number of faba bean infected plants were higher with Sakha-1 than Misr-3. Among the biochar types and cultivars, VAM inoculation was more effective with peanut straw biochar + VAM for MIsr-3. The distinctive reductions in almost broomrape parameters were obtained with VAM and peanut biochar + VAM equaling the recommended practice (glyphosate). Sakha-1 or Misr-3 plants treated with VAM, rice biochar + VAM and peanut biochar + VAM possessed distinctive improvements in pods weight, seed yield and of 100-seed weight of faba bean equaling glyphosate treatment. It could be concluded that VAM alone or with biochar raised the tolerance degree of faba bean genotype against broomrape attacks, hence sustaining the productivity, could be achieved through application of biochar inoculated with mycorrhiza. Despite the differences between mycorrhiza-inoculated biochar and glyphosate in broomrape traits and faba bean yield were not significant, the application of inoculated biochar as an eco-friendly tool is advisable for sustaining faba bean cultivation.

Response of Faba Bean (&lt;em&gt;Vicia faba&lt;/em&gt; L.) Grain Yield to Biofertilizer Rates and Inter Row Spacings at Kaffa Zone, South Western Ethiopia

Purpose: Soil nutrient depletion and crop management practices are the significant factors affecting faba beans production over the world. Biofertilizers can improve soil fertility and health. Moreover, it adds essential nutrients and improves water retention in the soil. Thus, its use is unquestionable to maintain soil fertility and enhance crop production. Hence, biofertilizer rates and inter-spacings were used to enhance faba bean production. Research Method: The Field trials were performed to determine the response of faba bean (Vicia faba L.) grain yield to bio-fertilizer rates and row spacings in the main growing season in 2019 at Kaffa zone, Southwestern Ethiopia. Factorial combinations of four rates of bio-fertilizer (0, 0.25, 0.5, and 0.75kg/ha) and three inter-row spacings (30, 40, and 50cm) were carried out in RCBD with three replications. The LSD test was done at α = 0.05 level of probability. Findings: The results of ANOVA presented that the main effect, as well as the interaction effects of biofertilizers and row spacing, have a significant effect on the yield of faba bean. The pods/plants number, hundred seed weight, and HI are mainly affected by biofertilizer rates and row spacings. The combination of 0.75kg/ha of biofertilizer rates and 50cm of space between rows recorded the maximum pods per plant in number, the weight of hundred seeds, grain yield, and harvest index. The highest grain yield (2540±276kg/ ha) was attained with the application of 0.75kg/ha of bio-fertilizer and 50cm of distance between rows, whereas, the lowest (1083.3±117.7kg/ha) was observed from the null treatments and the smaller spacing between rows (30cm). Generally, the significantly maximum yield was obtained because of the maximum rate of bio-fertilizer with the widest inter-row spacing in this experiment. Therefore, inoculation of bio-fertilizer at a dosage of 0.75kg/ha with a row distance of 50cm was found to be optimum for the maximum yield of faba bean in Southwestern Ethiopia and other similar agroecologies. It is further recommended that this result is from only one season at one site and hence this study may be repeated in space and time to reach a concrete recommendation. Research Limitation: Additional authentication and trials across similar agroecology would be essential to make conclusive recommendations since the field trials were directed for sole cropping season and a site. Originality/ Value: This is an organic fertilizer that could be used by farmers and investors in the future, to increase the production of faba bean.

The Changes in Various Physio-Biochemical Parameters and Yield Traits of Faba Bean Due to Humic Acid Plus 6-Benzylaminopurine Application under Deficit Irrigation

Implementing the deficit irrigation pattern has become a major strategy in crop production systems. However, using less water than is required to irrigate crops is associated with changes in plant physiology and lower productivity. Therefore, the current research aimed to assess the integrated effect of humic acid and cytokinin on faba bean under water deficit. Under two irrigation levels (full irrigation, FI and deficit irrigation, DI), two humic acid treatments (without addition, H0 and with addition of 10 kg ha−1, H10) and two cytokinin concentrations (without spray, C0 and spraying with 25 mg L−1, C25), faba bean growth, physiology, and productivity were evaluated. The experiment was implemented for two winter seasons of 2019/20 and 2020/21 and performed in a split–split plots design with three replicates. The findings revealed that under low water supply (DI), H10 plus C25 was the most efficient treatment for enhancing faba bean growth. All physiological faba bean traits estimated under DI showed remarkable increases with the application of H10 plus C25 in both seasons. The increases in proline, catalase, and total soluble sugars under DI due to H10 plus C25 were 31.4 and 31.8%, 51.9 and 55.1% as well as 43.8 and 46.6%, in the first and second seasons, respectively. There was no significant difference between FI × H10 plus C25 and DI × H10 plus C25 in phosphorus content in both seasons. FI × H10 plus C25 and DI × H10 plus C25 in the second season produced a similar number of pods plant−1 and seed yield of faba bean. Conclusively, the combined application of humic plus cytokinin achieved physiological and nutrient homeostasis, adjusting the biochemical compounds in faba bean under water deficit.

Effect of Two Seeding Rates on Nitrogen Yield and Nitrogen Fixation of Winter and Spring Faba Bean.

Faba bean (Vicia faba L. minor) is an important grain legume and is widely used as food and feed. It is traditionally used as a spring crop in Central European cropping systems. There is increasing interest in winter faba bean due to a higher yield potential, but limited knowledge of nitrogen (N) yields and nitrogen fixation (NFIX) exists. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to compare N concentrations, N yield of plant fractions, soil mineral N (SMN) and SMN sparing in the soil after harvest, NFIX and N balance of two winter faba bean varieties (Diva and Hiverna) to those of a spring faba bean (Alexia) using two seeding rates (25 versus 50 germinable seeds m-2) in a two-year field experiment under Pannonian climate conditions in eastern Austria. The winter faba bean varieties had higher N yields and NFIX, not only due to higher biomass yields, but also due to higher N concentrations and a higher percentage of N derived from atmosphere in the biomass. Conversely, the soil mineral N after harvest was lower compared to the spring faba bean. All treatments had a negative N balance due to higher grain N yield than NFIX. Winter faba beans left higher amounts of biologically-fixed N in residues for the subsequent crop, whereas spring faba bean left more SMN. Winter faba bean varieties obtained good results with both seeding rates, whereas the grain yield and the grain N yield of Alexia tended to higher with the higher seeding rate.

Effect of Gypsum, Compost, and Foliar Application of Some Nanoparticles in Improving Some Chemical and Physical Properties of Soil and the Yield and Water Productivity of Faba Beans in Salt-Affected Soils

Two field experiments were conducted at Kafr El Sheikh Gov., Egypt, during two winter growing seasons (2020/2021 and 2021/2022). The objective of this study was to improve some chemical and physical properties of soil and the yield and water productivity of faba beans (Viciafaba L.), Cv. Sakha-4 by application of gypsum, compost, and some nanoparticles in salt-affected soils. The experimental treatments were arranged in a split-plot design with three replications. The main plots had the following soil amendments: T1: control treatment, T2: 10 tons compost/hectare, T3: soil gypsum requirement (GR) of 8.59 ton ha−1, and T4: GR + 10 tons compost/hectare. The subplots were treated with foliar application as follows: no treatment, manganese nanoparticles (Mn-NPs), selenium nanoparticles (Se-NPs), and Mn-NPs + Se-NPs. According to the findings, the application of compost + GR significantly decreased soil salinity (EC), exchangeable sodium percentage (ESP), and soil bulk density (BD). However soil porosity, soil penetration resistance (SPRa), and basic soil infiltration (IR) were significantly increased. On the other hand, the results revealed significant positive effects onthe 100-grain weight as well as proline, chlorophyll, superoxide dismutase, and catalase contents due to the interaction between gypsum + compost and Mn-NPs + Se-NPs, which enhanced the productivity of both the seed and straw yields of faba beans compared to the alternative treatments. In addition, the seed yield and irrigation water productivity (PIW, kg m3) of faba beans were significantly increased with addition of gypsum and compost and foliar application of nanoparticles. The highest values of these parameters were achieved due to the interaction between gypsum + compost and Mn-NPs + Se-NPs. It can be concluded that application of GR of 8.59 ton ha−1 and 10 ton ha−1 compost as well as foliar application of Mn-NPs and Se-NPs may be a key strategy for improving some chemical and physical properties of soil and the yield and water productivity of faba beans in salt-affected soil under these experimental conditions.

"Influence of Intercropping Combinations on Growth, Components, Yield, and Quality of Faba Bean and Potato"

"Influence of Intercropping Combinations on Growth, Components, Yield, and Quality of Faba Bean and Potato"

Chemical Control of Wild Sorghum [Sorghum arundinaceum(Del.) Stapf.] in Faba Bean (Vicia faba L.) in the Northern State of Sudan

An experiment was conducted at Merowe Research Stationfarm, in the Northern State, Sudan, during 2008/2009 and 2009/2010seasons. The objectives of the experiment were to determine the damageinflicted by a wild sorghum species (Sorghum arundinaceum (Del.)Stapf.) on the yield of faba bean (Vicia faba L.) and to evaluate theefficacy of the post-emergence herbicide clodinafop-propargyl (Topik) onwild sorghum and its effect on faba bean yield. The wild sorghumreduced faba bean crop stand and straw and seed yields by 53% -76%,76% -79% and 88% - 91%, respectively, compared with the hand-weededcontrol. Faba bean was tolerant to the herbicide. The herbicide, at allrates, effected complete (100%) and persistent control of the wildsorghum and resulted in faba bean seed yield comparable to the hand-weeded control. The lowest dose (0.075 kg a.i./ha) of the herbicide usedwas equal to 75% of the dose recommended for the control of wildsorghum in wheat. It is concluded that clodinafop-propargyl at 0.075 kga.i./ha could be used in controlling wild sorghum in faba bean. At thisrate, the marginal rate of return was about 35 which indicating that everymonetary unit (SDG 1) invested in the mentioned treatment would bereturned back, plus additional amount of 35 SDG.