Bean Rust

Uromyces appendiculatus

Rusty pustules with yellow halos on bean leaves and pods. Spreads on the wind in damp weather.

Background

Bean rust shows as small circular pustules, light green with a yellow halo, on both sides of the leaves and on the pods. The pustules later split and release reddish-brown powdery spores. The spores travel on the wind, and overlapping bean crops let the rust persist. It is favoured by relatively cool, damp weather and heavy dews. How badly plants are hit depends on the variety. Rust-resistant varieties exist, but some have become susceptible over time.

How to identify

• Small circular pustules, light green with a yellow halo, on the upper leaf surface
• Reddish-brown powdery pustules on leaf undersides and on pods
• Badly affected leaves dry out and drop early

Affected vegetables & crops

Click any crop to see current prices and growing info.

Prevention

• Clear and bin or bury crop debris, including fallen leaves, after harvest
• Do not save seed from affected plants
• Rotate beans with other crops for at least 2 years
• Do not sow a new bean crop while the old one is still in the ground
• Water at the base, not over the leaves
• Choose rust-resistant varieties where you can

Know when Bean Rust is actually about

The calendar above is the season. It cannot tell you what is happening in your street this week. Get the free weekly email, or see live pressure for your own postcode on Pro.