Ascochyta Leaf and Pod Spot
Ascochyta on a bean stem, close up of lesions on a bean leaf & bean leaf symptoms
Ascochyta on a bean stem, close up of lesions on a bean leaf & bean leaf symptoms
Fungus
Field and broad beans
Brown/black leaf and pod spots with slightly sunken, grey centers and a brown margin, or re/brown and elongated stem lesions. Pycnidia in the lesions release spores which are spread by rain or wind-borne water droplets.
This seed and trash-borne disease infects both winter and spring crops. Spores (conidia) from infected plants can then be further dispersed throughout the surrounding crop by rain splash and wind.
Favourable Factors
Cool, wet weather.
On beans severe stem lesions can weaken the stem, cause lodging and kill infected plants. Infected beans are usually stained and may be unsuitable for processing or use as seed.
Find out more information on the key disease threats to your pea and bean crop. For each disease you will find out the importance of the disease in terms of potential yield penalty, how to identify the disease in its early stages and our advice on the best control strategies.