Faba Bean Cultivation – Revealing Novel Managing Practices for More Sustainable and Competitive European Cropping Systems

Abstract

Faba beans are highly nutritious because of their high protein content: they are a good source of mineral nutrients, vitamins, and numerous bioactive compounds. Equally important is the contribution of faba bean in maintaining the sustainability of agricultural systems, as it is highly efficient in the symbiotic fixation of atmospheric nitrogen. This article provides an overview of factors influencing faba bean yield and quality, and addresses the main biotic and abiotic constraints. It also reviews the factors relating to the availability of genetic material and the agronomic features of faba bean production that contribute to high yield and the improvement of European cropping systems. Emphasis is to the importance of using new high-yielding cultivars that are characterized by a high protein content, low antinutritional compound content, and resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses. New cultivars should combine several of these characteristics if an increased and more stable production of faba bean in specific agroecological zones is to be achieved. Considering that climate change is also gradually affecting many European regions, it is imperative to breed elite cultivars that feature a higher abiotic–biotic stress resistance and nutritional value than currently used cultivars. Improved agronomical practices for faba bean crops, such as crop establishment and plant density, fertilization and irrigation regime, weed, pest and disease management, harvesting time, and harvesting practices are also addressed, since they play a crucial role in both the production and quality of faba bean.

Effect of Weather Conditions on Yield and Health Status of Faba Bean Seeds in Poland

“…In the flowering stage (BBCH 63-69), seed yield was considerably affected by precipitation total of 20-25 mm/m 2 and temperature of 16-18 • C. According to Fahad [18], suboptimal water supply and temperatures exert adverse effects on plant growth and yields. Karkanis [26] reported that climate change is also gradually affecting many European regions, so it is imperative to breed elite cultivars that feature a higher abiotic and biotic stress resistance and nutritional value.…”

Legume Biofortification and the Role of Plant Growth-Promoting Bacteria in a Sustainable Agricultural Era

“…However, these types of studies are still not conclusive as the effect of legume consumption on human health seems to be dependent on the type, amount, and frequency of legume consumption, and they also do not consider the effects of processing [35]. In the environment, legumes are part of the symbiotic N fixation process, reducing the need for N fertilizer, decreasing agricultural CO 2 emissions, and improving soil composition [37]. The inclusion of legumes in crop rotation systems, besides conferring pest and disease resistance to the succeeding crops [38], can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 25% [39].…”

Phenotypic and molecular characterisation of novel Vicia faba germplasm with tolerance to acetohydroxyacid synthase‐inhibiting herbicides (AHAS) developed through mutagenesis techniques

“…In addition, current faba bean varieties exhibit sensitivities to some herbicides commonly used in other crop phases, such as the acetohydroxyacid synthase (AHAS) inhibitors, which can further restrict their inclusion in the cropping rotation for up to 24 months or longer in dry soils with a pH > 6.5 . The use of herbicides is the primary method of weed control in modern‐day broad‐acre cropping systems worldwide, with increasing reliance on chemical control methods as farming systems become more mechanised . In addition, there has been a decreasing number of new herbicide modes of action being introduced into the market, and the development of herbicide tolerance traits to existing chemistries has become an innovative way to expand weed control options in minor crops …”

“…7,8 The use of herbicides is the primary method of weed control in modern-day broad-acre cropping systems worldwide, with increasing reliance on chemical control methods as farming systems become more mechanised. 9 In addition, there has been a decreasing number of new herbicide modes of action being introduced into the market, and the development of herbicide tolerance traits to existing chemistries has become an innovative way to expand weed control options in minor crops. 10,11 The use of mutagenesis techniques to increase genetic diversity for the development of novel traits has been well documented.…”