Growth, light interception and disease in field bean (<i>Vicia faba</i>): the effect of late infection by <i>Ascochyta fabae</i>

Abstract

SUMMARY Growth and light interception were measured in field beans ( Vicia faba ) infected by Ascochyta fabae under field conditions. Despite late infection, disease reduced the leaf area index and the dry matter production of the crop. The main effect was due to a decrease of leaf area duration, which resulted in shorter duration of growth and lower final dry weights. The reduction in seed yield was significant, representing a decrease of 15% compared with a prophylactic fungicide treatment. The data are consistent with a small reduction in light use efficiency, but the observed differences were not significant during the period of crop growth.