Influence of different pre-emergent herbicides on the growth of faba bean (Vicia faba L.) varieties

The susceptibility of three Hungarian faba bean (Vicia faba L.) varieties (Karacsony, Lippoi and Ovari 137) was tested in greenhouse pot experiments by applying three pre-emergent herbicides: DUAL 720 EC (metholachlor), PIVOT (imazethapyr) and SENCOR 70 WP (metribuzin). The following parameters were examined: Leaf number and leaf area, as well as the fresh and dry weight of roots, stems and leaves. Statistical anlaysis was carried out via SPSS-programme (international standard software package, version 7.5). All three varieties reacted sensitively (with the decrease of biomass) to the double dose of DUAL 720 EC. As the result of this treatment, there was a 50 % decrease in the root-, stem- and leaf mass of the Karacsony variety, in comparison to the untreated control. In the case of the Lippoi variety, the stem and the leaf mass decreased by 58 % in comparison to the control. In the case of the Ovari 137 variety it was the root mass that decreased the most: by 92 %. The Karacsony variety showed the least sensitivity to the herbicides. Our findings show that various varieties have different degrees of sensitivity to the special herbicides, which means that the sensitivity of faba bean varieties has to be considered when choosing a herbicide.