Determining Critical Period of Weed-crop Competition in Faba Bean (Vicia faba)

The field experiment was carried during, 2003-2004 to determinate the critical period of weed-crop competition in faba bean (Vicia faba L.). The experimental treatments included weed free throughout the growing period, weed free from 15, 30, 45 and 60 days after emergence (DAE) and no weeding. The main infestation species of weed were Avena sterilis, Lolium multiflorum, Chenopodium album, Amaranthus retroflexus and Convolvulus arvensis. Grain yield and yield contributing traits were significantly affected by weed competition. Weed-crop competition may end from 45 days. Grain yield losses due to uncontrolled weed growth throughout the crop cycle were 46%. At the same time, plant height, numbers of pods per plant, numbers of seeds per pod and 1000-seed weight were significantly decreased due to weeds. © 2010 Friends Science Publishers