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My winter sown broad beans (Aqua Dulce - sp?) are looking very sorry for themselves.  They grew nicely and have been providing beans for a few weeks, but they are now turning black. 

I don't know if they are just dying as they've reached the end of their life, or if I have 'chocolate spot' (?)  The leaves do look to have large 'spots' which are joining together and are turning black. 

The plants that were sown a few months later (Suttons) are looking very green and healthy.

Q - I've cut the dying plants down - should I compost the remains, or burn ??

Thanks
mc

A photo would help. Black patches sounds like old and dying plants, but it might not be.

yeah, I thought of that as I was driving back from the lottie  :-\  The bean pods on the affected plants have 'sun tan' if that helps - look as it they have gone 'rusty' - I've got a pic of the beans, but not the leaves.  Will upload it.

All my Broadies, winter and spring have been a total washout..
:'(

here is the pic of the beans:

That's old age; mine always end up looking like that if I don't pick them in time. They'll be coarse, but edible. Alternatively, you could keep them for seed.

They`re positively venerable.  Leave them any longer and you`ll break your teeth on them.

phew - thanks.  We just can't keep up with them.

mc, mine are the same as yours and I am still enjoying them.  This is my first time growing broad beans and I am really pleased with the crop. :)  Even OH is enjoying them and he never liked them before! :)

Don`t forget to freeze some for the winter - we`re still finishing last year`s, and they`re just as good as the day they were picked.

My aquadulce's are just ending (I pick any that develop the dark colouration the moment it appears, unless I'm keepig them for seed), and the late-planted crimson flowered are getting loads of attention from the local bumblebees.