Effects of the Planting Densitiy and Sowing Date of Broad Bean on Its Yield and Quality Under the Intercropping Mode of Fruit-bean
[Objective]The effects of different planting densities and sowing dates on the growth,yield,and grain quality of broad bean intercropped in orange orchards were explored and the suitable cultivation modes of broad bean intercropped in orange orchards were clarified,which provided the theoretical basis for the cultivation technology of grain-feeding broad bean.[Method]Taking broad bean variety Chenghu 15 as the material,a two factor randomized block experiment was carried out with four sowing dates as the main factors(October 18,October 28,November 7 and November 17)and three planting densities(15×104 plant/hm2,12×104 plant/hm2,9×104 plant/hm2)as the sub-factors to analyze the effects of different planting densities and sowing dates on the plant morphology,branching characteristics,yield and grain quality of broad bean.[Result]With the delay of sowing date,the effective branches of broad bean decreased gradually,while the grain weight per plant,yield and grain starch,fat and soluble protein content increased first and then decreased,among which the performance of broad bean sowed on October 28 was the best;With the increase of the density,the plant height of broad bean gradually increased,while the total branch number,total pod number,yield,as well as the starch,fat and soluble protein content of grains all increased first and then decreased,among which the performance of broad bean sowed with 12×104 plant/hm2 was the best.[Conclusion]The sowing date,density,and their interaction significantly affect the growth,yield and grain quality of broad bean intercropped in orange orchards,and the combination of a planting density of 12×104 plant/hm2 and sowing date on October 28 treatment has the best effect with the highest yield of 227.33 kg/667m2.It is featured with the best plant morphology and suitable soluble protein,fat and starch content in broad bean grains,which can be used as the recommended cultivation mode for broad bean intercropped in orange orchards in Sichuan region.