XIII. Insect Pest Control of Broad Beans
The main pests affecting broad beans include aphids and bean weevils.
1. Aphids
Aphids, commonly referred to as greenflies or plant lice, are one of the most destructive pests in broad bean cultivation. These tiny insects feed on the sap of leaves, which weakens the plant and hinders its growth. More seriously, they act as vectors for viral diseases, causing symptoms such as leaf curling, yellowing, and stunted growth. This can lead to reduced yields or even complete crop failure. Aphids reproduce rapidly and can spread quickly across fields. To manage large infestations effectively, chemical control methods are often necessary and highly effective when applied at the right time.
2. Bean Weevils
Bean weevils, also known as seed beetles or pod borers, are among the most damaging pests during the post-harvest stage. When broad beans begin to flower, adult weevils are attracted to the blossoms, feeding on pollen, nectar, and petals. After the pods form, they lay eggs inside the developing seeds. Once the eggs hatch, the larvae burrow into the beans, feeding on the kernels. As the beans mature, the larvae grow inside them. Even after harvest, the larvae continue to develop within the stored seeds. Infested beans lose nutritional value, change color, and become unpalatable, reducing their marketability and germination potential. Damage levels can exceed 10%, sometimes reaching up to 50%. The life cycle of these pests is annual, with adults overwintering in the pods, storage areas, or cracks in walls. They emerge in spring, fly to the fields, and start feeding and laying eggs on young pods. Therefore, the best time for prevention is before the larvae fully develop.
Control Methods:
1. Hot Water Treatment: This method is ideal when there are few seeds to treat. It ensures 100% insecticidal effect without compromising seed germination or quality. The process involves drying the harvested broad beans, placing them in a bamboo basket, and immersing them in boiling water for 30 seconds. Afterward, the basket is quickly cooled in cold water, dried, and stored in the sun.
2. Field Spraying: During the flowering stage of broad beans, a 90% trichlorfon solution diluted at 1:2000–3000 or a 50% trichlorfon solution diluted at 1:1000 can be sprayed. Applying 100 kg of solution per acre achieves an effectiveness rate of around 90%.
XIV. Broad Bean Varieties
China has a rich variety of broad beans, with many high-quality local cultivars.
1. Cixi Large White Silkworm: A late-maturing variety from Cixi City, Zhejiang Province. It is suitable for intercropping and produces more than 200 kg per mu. The seeds are large, white, and clean, with a 100-grain weight of about 100 grams. It has a protein content of 29.5%, excellent taste, and high commercial value. It requires strict soil conditions and poor moisture resistance. Sowing takes place before the last frost, and it matures by late May of the following year. The sowing rate is 12.5 kg per acre.
2. Shangtian Jiqing: A mid-season variety from Shangyu County, Zhejiang Province. It is resistant to moisture and suitable for planting in low-lying areas. The seeds have a green coat, with a 100-grain weight of about 80 grams and a protein content of 31.5%. Sown at the end of October, it matures by late May next year, yielding 150 kg per mu. The sowing rate is 10 kg per mu.
3. Chongli Broad Beans: A local variety from Chongli County, Hebei Province. It is early maturing, with light yellow skin, a 100-grain weight of 110–120 grams, and a protein content of 24%. It is compact, requires high water and fertilizer, and is suitable for dense planting. Sown in early May, it can reach 200–250 kg per mu before the first frost. It is ideal for frying and is popular in international markets.
4. Linxia Maya: A local variety from Linxia Prefecture, Gansu Province. It is late-maturing, with a long growing season of 155–170 days. The plants are tall, with white testas. The 100-grain weight is around 120 grams, and the protein content is 23.7%. It thrives at altitudes between 1700 and 2500 meters, requiring a frost-free period of about 160 days. Proper spacing is important, with 10,000–12,000 plants per acre. The average yield is 250–350 kg per mu, with some fields reaching 450 kg.
5. Wuyuan Maya: A local variety from Wuyuan County, Qinghai Province. (Continued)
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