What to do if broad beans do not set pods? The latest control measures are here
During the cultivation of broad beans, failure to set pods often occurs, which seriously affects the growth and yield of broad beans and brings relatively large economic losses to farmers. So what causes broad beans not to set pods? How should it be controlled? Let us understand together.
1. Field closure
Field closure is a common problem in broad bean production, especially during periods when winter temperatures are relatively high. In the middle and late growth stages of broad beans, vegetative growth and reproductive growth proceed at the same time. As temperatures continue to rise after the beginning of spring, broad beans still continue to branch. These branches generally do not set pods, but they occupy space and also compete with effective branches for nutrients. Moreover, there is basically no light on the lower part of the plant, and ventilation is also a problem. The number of pods set at the bottom is relatively small, while broad beans mainly rely on flower pods on the lower part for production. When nutrients are ensured for the upper part, empty pods often appear. After this situation occurs, there are also not many pods set on the lower part, so the yield will be very low.
Control methods: There are two methods to control this situation. One is thinning seedlings; the other is pruning. So-called thinning seedlings means pulling out relatively thin and weak plants before broad beans flower. This can reduce planting density. Even if such thin and weak plants are not pulled out, they will not set pods later, or the quality of the pods they set is not high and is of little use. It is better to pull them out in advance, save nutrients, reduce field closure, and be more favorable for other plants to set pods. Pruning means pruning some aged branches on broad bean plants. After overwintering, broad beans will produce many branches. After the beginning of spring, they often age and die, and these branches will not flower or set pods either. So leaving them only consumes nutrients in vain and can also induce pests and diseases. Therefore, timely pruning can not only save nutrients and promote pod setting in plants, but also prevent pests and diseases.
2. Pests and diseases
Pests and diseases are also one of the reasons causing broad beans not to set pods. The flowering and fruiting period of broad beans is exactly the peak period for pests and diseases. The diseases that cause broad beans not to set pods include chocolate spot, brown spot, rust, and so on, and pests include aphids and so on.
Control methods: For pests and diseases, follow the principles of prevention first and integrated management. During the rainy season, pay attention to dredging and drainage to avoid damp ground inducing diseases. Carbendazim plus mancozeb, procymidone, metalaxyl mancozeb, iprodione, and other agents can be used to control chocolate spot and brown spot. For rust, triadimefon, thiophanate-methyl, Bordeaux mixture, and other agents can be used for control. For aphids, imidacloprid and acetamiprid can be used for control, with relatively good results.
The above is an introduction to control measures for broad beans not setting pods. We hope it can help you. If you want to learn more related knowledge, please stay tuned to us.