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My bean foliage is distorted with a mottled pattern, and the fruit is crooked and hard. What's wrong?

Last Updated: October 31, 2011

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Most likely, this is bean mosaic, a virus that is seed-transmitted. Once it develops within a garden, it can be moved from one plant to another by aphids. Control this disease by using good-quality bean seed, following an aphid control program in the garden, and removing diseased plants. Similar damage occurs when plants are exposed to: *Phenoxy herbicide (broadleaf herbicide). When applying herbicides near crops, be aware of wind speed and direction. *Use of tobacco products (cigarettes) when handling plants can transfer the mosaic virus. Mosaic virus disease commonly infects beans, sweet corn, squash, melons, cucumbers, peas, peppers, and tomatoes. Therefore, placement and spacing of other rows becomes important. Contact your local Extension office for aphid control recommendations.

Browse related Faqs by tag: horticulture, plant diseases and disorders, vegetables and herbs, bean mosaic virus, green bean, herbicide damage


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