What to Do About Broad Bean Lodging? A Detailed Guide to the Latest Control Methods
Broad bean, also known as fava bean, is a nutrient-rich legume. During its peak growing season, improper management can easily lead to lodging, which greatly affects both yield and quality. So what should you do about broad bean lodging? Below, the editor will introduce the control methods for broad bean lodging. Let's take a look.
1. Reasonable close planting
When broad bean is growing vigorously, its growth rate is extremely fast, and it will develop dense branches and leaves in a short time. If planting is too dense, it will cause the field to become closed in, with poor air permeability, which can easily lead to excessive vegetative growth, thin and weak stems, and poor lodging resistance, resulting in lodging. Therefore, reasonable close planting is necessary. When branches and leaves grow luxuriantly, topping should be done at the right time to control plant height, make the stems grow thick and strong, and improve lodging resistance. Topping is best done when 40% of the branches have set their first pods, preferably on a sunny day, by removing just the top growing point and one leaf.
2. Apply more phosphorus and potassium fertilizer
Nitrogen fertilizer promotes plant growth, so many farmers apply nitrogen fertilizer when planting. However, broad bean is different from other crops: its root system has a strong ability to fix nitrogen, so nitrogen application should be controlled during production. If too much nitrogen fertilizer is applied, it will cause excessive vegetative growth, also leading to a closed-in field and lodging. Therefore, during production, nitrogen fertilizer application should be controlled and phosphorus and potassium fertilizers appropriately increased. Generally, at the early flowering stage, apply 5 kg of potassium chloride or potassium sulfate per mu, or apply 50-70 kg of plant ash plus 10 kg of superphosphate, mixed with fine soil and applied deeply. At the flowering and pod-setting stage, spray 0.3% monopotassium phosphate 2-3 times, which can promote pod expansion with good results.
3. Prevent waterlogging damage
The flowering and fruiting period of broad bean coincides with the rainy season. If measures to drain water and reduce moisture are not taken at this time, the broad bean plants will suffer waterlogging damage and are very prone to lodging. Therefore, during production, drainage ditches must be properly opened, irrigation should be done and withdrawn immediately, and drainage measures should also be well carried out during the rainy season.
4. Pests and diseases
Chocolate spot, rust, and Fusarium wilt can all cause lodging in broad bean plants, so special attention should be paid during production, and pest and disease control should be strengthened. When diseases are found, spray promptly for control. Carbendazim and thiophanate-methyl can be sprayed alternately, once every week, for 2-3 consecutive sprays, with good results.
The above is an introduction to the control methods for broad bean lodging. We hope it can help you. If you want to learn more related knowledge, please stay tuned to us.