Leaf Wilt on Green Bean Plants

Wilt

• Wilt (Corynebacterium flaccumfaciens) is a bacterial infection which can cause green spots on plants leaves. Symptoms of wilt include drooping and wilted leaves as well as stunted growth.

Common Blight

• Another cause of green bean leaf wilt is a bacterial infection referred to as common blight (Xanthomonas phaseoli). Common blight appears on plant leaves as a watery green spot, which later turns brown and can cause leaves to wilt.

Bean Rust

• Bean rust (Uromyces phaseoli typica) effects a plants leaves through rust pustules which being appearing as small white spores which eventually turn brown. The fungus which causes bean rust if left untreated will cause leaves to wither and fall from the bean plant.

Prevention/Solution

• It is important when planting beans to remember to rotate crops allowing at least two years to pass before planting in the same location. Crop rotation is an essential management tool for avoiding leaf wilt in green bean plants.

Warning

• Avoiding the use of local seeds which may have disease pathogens on them lowers the risk of introducing infected seeds to the garden or farm. Commercially raised seed which is disease free is the best option for reliable seed.