Runner Bean Pests And Diseases

Runner beans are generally a good consistent plant if planted in the right conditions and this removes a lot of the problems. A good trench with newspaper in the base and a good compost on the top with a good neutral soil (not acidic, put on lime if necessary). This will give a good feeding base which will retain the water.

It is lack of moisture and compost feed that can restrict growth and stop the beans setting.

Black fly can form on the plants, they can be treated by spraying with an insecticide or soapy water. If a good air flow can be made it will help. Remove any damaged leaves and destroy. Ladybirds will usually get rid of them naturally if the population is reduced.

Halo Blight looks like a brown spot with a yellow halo forming on the leaves. Any plants should be removed and destroyed. It is usually caused by poor or damaged seed and the cure is to get good seed and throw away damaged beans.

Foot rot is where the bean rots at the base of them stem and happens when the crop has not been rotated so the answer is simple.

There are several problems with beans setting from the flowers and this can be from lack of pollinating insects and bees. It is possible to pollinate using a fine brush but the best thing is to plant in a sheltered site not a windy one and get the planting conditions right and the flowers will be good enough to attract the bees.

Find out How To Grow Runner Beans today.

By Richard Allen -