Tips and Tactics: Managing Faba Bean Diseases

Monitor for rust and chocolate spot, the two main fungal diseases in the region

The best defence is to plant resistant varieties. Monitor often, particularly after rain events, and apply fungicide if required.

New threats to faba beans may emerge so it is important to also be vigilant for changing disease risks. Even with newer varieties that are more disease-resistant, growers need to actively monitor and manage disease risks.

Key Points

• Determine which diseases are the highest priority for your area and sow a variety that is resistant to those diseases wherever possible.
• The major risks to faba beans are rust, chocolate spot and viruses, particularly Bean leafroll virus (BLRV).
• Stemphylium blight (Stemphylium spp.) emerged as a severe disease during 2016. Stemphylium is usually considered a minor disease in Australia.
• Faba beans can need up to five fungicide applications during a season that favours disease.
• Be aware of fungicide restrictions: a number of fungicides have restrictions on spray intervals, maximum applications per season and withholding period prior to harvest. Always check the label.

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