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Bush bean plants being decimated #798929

Asked July 01, 2022, 8:51 AM EDT

I have some green and red bean plants in my garden in Sparks, Baltimore County that were looking very lush and producing quite well, but now they look absolutely terrible and one is all but reduced to sticks. This was starting before the emergence of Japanese beetles. I haven’t noticed any bugs or critters, but something is clearly there. I used neem oil a few weeks ago but it didn’t stop the destruction. The majority of the beans that I’ve harvested, especially from the red bean plant, have little holes chomped into them as well. Aside from being chomped, the leaves have turned a bit yellow and sickly. (I own an arboriculture business with a state pesticide license, if it comes down to needing a treatment of that nature)

Baltimore County Maryland

Expert Response

Hi,
There could be multiple causes for the bean plant and pod issues. A variety of beetles (e.g., bean leaf beetles) and caterpillars (cutworms), as well as slugs will chew bean leaves and pods. Asiatic garden beetle notches and shreds foliage (night feeders). Whatever caused the holes may have moved on or  completed its lifecycle. You could go out with a flashlight at night to see if you can find any feeding activity.

If your garden is not fenced you may have rabbits feeding. They will eat entire leaves and tender stems.

The yellowing  may be due to leafhopper feeding, spider mite feeding, plant stress, or a minor nutritional issue. 

The good news is that you can plant garden beans through the end of July.
Jon 

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