Growth and light interception were measured in field beans (Vicia faba) infected by Ascochytu fubue 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.
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