A field yield trial was conducted under natural condition at Mallawi Agricultural Research Station, Minia Governorate during two successive winter seasons (2008/2009 and 2009/2010) to study the effect of sowing dates (15th October, 5th and 25th November), plant densities (22, 27 and 33 plants/m2) and two faba bean cultivars (Giza 2 and Giza 843) on yield, yield components and aphid (Aphis craccivora Koch) infestation rate.
Results indicated that, sowing faba bean in November 5th recorded the lowest number of aphid/plant and gave the highest yield and yield components compared to either early or late sowing (October 15th and November 25th). Giza 843 cultivar record the lowest means of density of aphid (283.11 and 158.93 individuals/leaf/100 plants), as well as produced the highest seed yield (9.59 and 8.84 ard.fed) in two seasons, respectively. However, the highest density of aphids (389.11 and 206.19 aphids/100 plants and seed yields (7.69 and 6.15 ard./fed.) recorded from Giza 2 cultivar in the first and second seasons. Aphid infestation rate and plant height (cm) were progressively increased with increasing plant density from 22 to 33 plants/m2. While number of, branches, pods, seeds and seed yield (g) per plant were decreased with increasing plant density. On the other hand, the highest seed index and seed yield (ard./fed.) were recorded with 27 plants/m2 in both seasons. The lowest population of A. craccivora (63.7 and 6.67 individuals/100 plants) and the highest seed yield (14.07 and 13.10 ard./fed.) were obtained from sowing Giza 843 cultivar on November 5th and 27 plants/m2 in both seasons. It could be concluded that Giza 843 with 27 plants/m2 and sowing at November 5th maximize faba bean productivity, decreases aphid and virus infestation.