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Produce => Edible Plants => Topic started by: Mr Smith on June 15, 2009, 11:01:48

Title: Broad Bean problem
Post by: Mr Smith on June 15, 2009, 11:01:48
Any suggestions on how to cope with 'Chocolate spot' on broad beans only about half a dozen plants are affected, is it best to just pull the plants rather than leave them in, :)
Title: Re: Broad Bean problem
Post by: BarriedaleNick on June 15, 2009, 11:18:48
I'd leave them in but keep an eye on them.  I may be wrong but chocolate spot is not spread from plant to plant but from ground to plant so I dont think taking them out will make much odds on the chance of other plants being affected.  It also doesnt affect the beans too much (depends on severity) so you should still get something out of it..
Title: Re: Broad Bean problem
Post by: Digeroo on June 15, 2009, 11:20:32
I like a quick chocolate spot when I have been digging the allotment.  Whoops sorry can't help with the broad beans.
Title: Re: Broad Bean problem
Post by: coznbob on June 15, 2009, 12:05:13
I'd say leave them in. Mine have got a bit of it and are still growing ok, maybe pick off the affected leaves and keep an eye on them.
Title: Re: Broad Bean problem
Post by: Robert_Brenchley on June 15, 2009, 18:14:39
Leave them, but be sure to pull them out and burn or remove them once you harvest the crop.
Title: Re: Broad Bean problem
Post by: Kea on June 15, 2009, 18:21:56
I did a bit of research a few years ago when my plot was new....i mean just turned from field into allotment and I got really bad chocolate spot which is apparently partly due to soil fertility. High fertility and lots of chocolate spot. It has improved now so far so good this year.
Title: Re: Broad Bean problem
Post by: Mr Smith on June 15, 2009, 19:57:05
Thanks for the replies the lotty for the fist time in several years did have a good load of muck spread over it last back end, :)
Title: Re: Broad Bean problem
Post by: KathrynH on June 15, 2009, 21:16:34
I'd leave them too. The beans should be ready by now or if not then very soon so you can pick them and pull the plants up straight away.