Allelopathy of Wheat and Faba Bean Extracts in an Intercropping System

Abstract Background We intensively studied faba bean (Vicia faba L.) and wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) intercropping and found that this type of intercropping can effectively control the occurrence of faba bean wilt under field conditions. We conducted hydroponic experiments to explore the role of plant extracts in process of soil-borne diseases and the mechanism of disease control of faba bean and wheat intercropping. In this experiment, three concentration gradients of faba bean and wheat stems and leaves and root extracts were added to study the effects of faba bean and wheat extracts on faba bean growth, root physiological resistance and the growth of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. fabae (FOF). Result Faba bean extracts significantly inhibited the growth of faba bean seedlings and the activity of root defense enzymes and significantly stimulated the growth of FOF at high concentrations. Compared with the treatment with faba bean extracts, wheat extracts significantly enhanced the growth of faba bean seedlings, increased the activity of defense enzymes and inhibited the growth of FOF. Conclusions Based on these results, we believe that wheat extract can effectively alleviate the autotoxicity of faba beans and also control the occurrence of faba bean wilt in the field. This provides a theoretical basis for practical intercropping to reduce the harm of faba bean wilt.