Angular Leaf Spot

Credits: Biovision-Infonet

Symptoms consist of small dark brown spots with angular edges and are often numerous to give the foliage a checker-board appearance. The spots may increase in size, join together, and cause yellowing and necrosis of the affected leaves. This may lead to premature defoliation. When humid, the fungus produces a grey mould on the lower surface of the spots. Infected pods have brown blotches. The disease is favoured by high moisture and moderate temperatures (20-25degC).

The disease is seed-borne.What to do:

• Use certified disease-free seed.
• Plough under bean debris after harvest.
• Practise a 2-3 year crop rotation without legumes.
• Do not work in bean fields when the plants are wet