Become a better gardener! Discover our new Almanac Garden Planner features for 2024. It’s easy, fun, and free to try!
Prevent Downy Mildew This Summer!
ADVERTISEMENT
How to tell this from mosaic virus? In our raised beds, we have some beans that are showing signs of leaf mottling, curling and dying leaves and stunted growth, especially the runner beans. Peppers have curled leaves on the new growth and stunted growth. My carrots are fine. Potatoes and tomatoes are yellowing as well. We can't afford to start to over, it has taken us years to get those beds full of good organic soil. I've invested so much money in heirloom seed. There is so much conflicting information online and so many different types of mosaic. We are not sure whether to plant anything in the in-ground garden because I've read mosaic can be hosted by weeds and with all the rain we've had this spring the weeds are getting out of hand on the perimeter, outside of the ground cover. Obviously we can get rid of the weeds, I can dispose of the infected plants, but is it in the soil? It definitely looks like mosaic, comparing my bean leaves to pictures online. But, we are not 100% sure and don't know what to do.
I follow all the recommendations: remove infected leaves/plants, drip line watering, plenty of sun, disinfect tools, mulch, raise leaves off ground where possible, wash gloves and hands, and use heirloom seeds with resistance. I also use liquid copper fungicide in exact accordance with the label, in the evening when bees and birds are done for day and there is no rain predicted for at least 24 hours. It seems to be working, although my cucumbers and squash are struggling. Good luck!
Oh yes! Am well familiar with this condition! I have a greenhouse and mildew just loves my zucchini and cuke plants but also loves green beans! My basil is just fine. I cut off the leaves affected and discard. Outside of that no clue how to prevent because I have drip lines,, mulch, lots of sun and temp controls. Oh well….will just keep plodding along!