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Beans, Peas & Legumes

Problem with pole bean leaves

9 months ago

I'm growing my pole beans in another location this year. Same property, different spot. The Kentucky Wonders have an issue with some of the leaves turning yellow and dying. The plants look good otherwise. They've climbed vigorously and have lots of blossoms. I haven't fertilized . . . could this be a nutrient deficiency?

The Japanese beetles have moved in with a vengeance, but I don't think they're part of the problem. They're mostly working on the top leaves, while the yellowing leaves are further down.

We've had a lot of t-storms recently; could this be too much water? Thanks!

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Comments (3)

floraluk2
9 months ago
"The plants look good otherwise. They've climbed vigorously and have lots of blossoms. "

To me this is the key. The few yellow leaves are not affecting the crop so, personally, I would not worry. The bottom leaves of my climbing beans always get eaten by snails and slugs but as long as there are plenty of beans it doesn't bother me.
Alisande thanked floraluk2
Alisande
Original Author
9 months ago
That's reassuring--thanks! Now they have lots of beans, Lots of Japanese beetles too, but their bean production doesn't seem to be affected, at least at this point.
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Well, if the top half of the vines still look good, then I'd say you did the right thing in fertilizing them. The bottom few leaves of mine usually look pretty funky, but maybe not to the same height as what you're describing. Mine are just beginning to produce quite well even though the bottom 1/4 - 1/3 of the leaves look funky/have fallen off. So, just keep an eye on them. They'll probably recover. If you just planted the new crop, they probably won't produce much, if any before first frost.
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The 3rd photo didn't come through, but It seems more like some sort of physical damage, not a disease. Is there any chance the plant was hit with cold water in the middle of the day? (Like those big fat raindrops you get sometimes when a Spring shower starts while the sun is still shining?) In the 1st photo it also looks like your soil is plenty moist. I wouldn't add water for a few days.
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Cold and wet weather could do this. So could bugs chewing on the occasional stem. Other than that, I would suspect something is nibbling on the roots.
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I'd suspect spider mites, which are close to microscopic. Try hitting those vines with a good jet of water, getting under the leaves. Sometimes a couple of such "treatments" will do the trick. George
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floraluk2
9 months ago
Not sure how worried you need to be about Japanese beetles. We don't get them here. I was only referring to the yellowing lower leaves.
Alisande thanked floraluk2

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