Effect of rust (Uromyces viciae-fabae) on yield components of faba bean

Epidemics of faba bean rust (Uromyces viciae-fabae) differing in duration and final severity were induced by a point inoculation. Relationships between disease severity observed on three canopy layers (top, middle and bottom) at different assessment dates and yield components (grain weight per stem, average grain weight, number of grains per pod and number of pods per stem) were established. Epidemics occurring after the initiation of pod setting had no effect on yield components. Earlier epidemics significantly decreased the grain weight per stem, the average grain weight, and the number of pods per stem, but only marginally affected the number of grains per pod. The yield components generally decreased with increasing severity level, but a few parabolic relationships were observed at a late stage in crop development. The effect of rust on yield components could be predicted by a critical point model using disease severity assessed on the middle or bottom canopy layer in the mid-flowering stage. Rust severity greater than 5% during that critical stage would substantially decrease final yield, and fungicide spraying against rust would be advised.