An experiment was conducted at the Research Station field - Department of Field Crops, College of Agriculture, Tikrit University. through winter season of (2024–2025). The aim was to evaluate the Effectiveness of Bentazone herbicide on weeds that grow with the broad bean crop (Vicia faba L.). The study had 18 experimental units, each unit consist three rows of broad beans, with weed seeds sown between the crop rows. The experiment designed with a Randomized Complete Block (RCBD) with three replications, using a factorial arrangement of two variables: first, crop varieties (Iraqi and Egyptian varieties). The second factor comprised three dosage levels of Bentazone herbicide: a non-treated control (0 L ha⁻¹), the standard recommended rate of 3 L ha⁻¹ (100%), and a supra-optimal dose of 4.5 L ha⁻¹ (150% of the prescribed rate).
The results Shown significant effects of herbicide concentrations across all studied traits. As for the control percentage of Eruca sativa (Arugula) and Raphanus raphanistrum (Wild Radish) weeds, no significant differences were recorded between the varieties. But, the 150% concentration treatment achieved the highest control rates, reaching 70.54% for E. sativa and 74.70% for R. raphanistrum, compared to 0.00% in control treatment.
About the crop growth and yield traits, the recommended concentration (100%) was superior, recording the highest values for plant height trait (65.25 cm), leaf number (13.60 leaves/plant), branch number (4.80 branches/plant), dry weight (31.25 g/plant), pod number (6.23 pods/plant).
On the other hand, the 150% concentration caused a significant Decrease in all studied traits, especially in the Iraqi variety which recorded the lowest values. While the Egyptian variety exhibited relatively higher tolerance to the phytotoxicity resulting from the herbicide overdose (150%).
The study cleared that applying Bentazone herbicide at the 100% recommended concentration is Ideal for best Performance in growth and yield for both broad bean varieties, with a Need to avoid excessive doses, particularly for the sensitive Iraqi variety. The findings Focus on Specific herbicide management to balance weed control with crop safety.