Pole Beans Pale Leaves

6 years ago

I have tried growing two different types of pole beans in my raised garden bed the past few years with zero success. I have direct seeded, transplanted, planted in spring and fall. Germination is not generally an issue, and when I start them indoors, they begin green and healthy. When they are in the raised bed, however, I end up with stunted growth and pale green leaves throughout. The one constant is that they always go in the same bed, but they are always right next to bush beans that produce ridiculously well and easily. Both are in full sun. Adding a good portion of manure adds back a touch of green, but I haven't done a soil test because everything else in the bed is doing well. I figure if it were a nutrient deficiency, it would also affect the bush beans that are 18" away.

The two varieties I have tried are Ferry Morse Orient Wonder and Asparagus Beans (which may be the same thing, for all I know.

Any thoughts?

Featured Answer

farmerdill

6 years ago

First problem. They are Vignas (cowpea group) not common beans (Phaseolus). Their climatic requirements are slightly different. They are heat loving plants. If you are in the northern part of the country that may pose a problem. They are aphid magnets so check for those. They are subject to many fungal diseases.

Fusarium Wilt sort of matches your description.

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Comments (6)

lgteacher
6 years ago
Maybe that particular variety doesn't do well in your climate. Sunset zones are a more accurate indication of growing climate because they are based on many factors. The USDA zones are based only on average low temperature.
hawk_941 thanked lgteacher
CA Kate z9
6 years ago
Your story reminds me of a friend who had the same problem with her Sweet Peas every Spring. Turns out the neighbor on the other side of that fence always liberally used pre-emergant weed killer on his property. Apparently the soil on friend's side got some of it too, and did/does further affect the plants that grow there beyond just sprouting seeds. But then, maybe he uses other poisons as well that would affect the growth of her plants.
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S B
6 years ago
"They always go in the same bed" would suggest you rotate to different beds. Especially with legumes which share a lot of similar pests.

Beans normally don't like too much fertility but have you ever had a soil test? Perhaps you're low on P-K or a micronutrient.

This article is for soybeans but might help you diagnose the issue if it is nutrient related.

https://cropwatch.unl.edu/soils/soybean-nutrients
hawk_941
Original Author
6 years ago
@farmerdill

It does look like it could be Fusarium Wilt, but wouldn't that infect the beans, peas, and zucchini in the same bed?
farmerdill
6 years ago
last modified: 6 years ago
(Vigna unguiculata subsp. sesquipedalis) Long beans are more susceptible to Fusarium than most other vegetables except tomatoes. Breeders have worked to to develop resistant varieties but yours are old timers. Not saying you have Fusarium, but it is a possibility. Asparagus beans is a generic name for long beans, could be any variety. Unless you really like long beans, you might try some pole beans (Phaseolus vulgaris) in future plantings.