I have probably at least a quarter of my bean varieties, both dwarf and climbing showing signs of some kind of disease. It started with just a bit of yellowing but as the plants have matured some have quite severe symptoms.
The most likely diagnosis seems to be bean mosaic virus which apparently is carried sometimes through infected seed and otherwise by aphid. I've seen no sign of aphid infestation on any of the beans but I imagine it doesn't have to be an infestation and there are probably other ways to can be transferred. It seems that some varieties are resistant, especially more recent ones and certainly I have very healthy looking beans right next to sick looking ones. In most cases all the plants of one variety are similarly infected.
I'm wondering whether anyone else has experience of this virus and can confirm the diagnosis. If so, how persistent has it been. I suppose I should take strong measures and pull up all the infected beans but they are producing beans and it will be a wrench!
Comment