Expert: Mack Jean - 7/13/2009

Question
Our green bean plants are beautiful except for the top few leaves, which are wilting and curling up. Is it a pest or a disease and what can we do? We live in NM near Albuquerque. We water every other day and mulch so I don't think lack of water is the problem.

Answer
Dear Cathy:

I suspect your green beans may have mosaic virus disease.  This disease is often carried in the seed used for planting. Viruses are difficult to control and a challenge to isolate their origin.  Two fungicidal organic type products may offer some moderate control over the disease:

  1. Bordeaux Mix
  2. Safer Garden Fungicide

Or, use chemical control such as Daconil.

Listed below is a site that can provide you with more details on the management of viruses in the garden:

  http://extension.missouri.edu/publications/DisplayPub.aspx?P=G6202

Regards,

Mack Jean
AllExperts
Master Gardener
Tennessee