dwarf french bean leaves going yellowish

sharonl

Hi all,

My Dwarf french bean plants appear to be going slightly yellow. I've attached a picture below of the worst affected one. Is this some kind of mineral or trace element deficiency? or any other ideas on what could be causing it? They seem to be growing well just getting a bit of a yellowish tinge to them. Gave them a top dressing of fish blood and bone about 2 weeks ago and I know our soil is slightly acidic.

sharon

Belfast · Posted: Sun Jun 14, 2009 10:23 pm Post subject:

Possibly

180. Dwarf (French) Bean Plants

Nitrogen deficiency

Growth dwarfed and thin; leaves pale green and older leaves yellow and die early. '
http://www.hbci.com/~wenonah/min-def/beans.htm

or
184. Dwarf Bean Foliage

Magnesium deficiency

Older leaves chlorotic mottling, followed by general yellowing and brown necrotic spotting.
http://www.hbci.com/~wenonah/min-def/beans.htm

michael brenock · Posted: Mon Jun 15, 2009 3:04 pm Post subject:

very like magnesium deficiency or poor soil structure lacking in humus. there may also be a trace of Zinc deficiency
michael brenock horticultural advisor (retired)

sharonl · Posted: Mon Jun 15, 2009 6:50 pm Post subject:

That would fit the bill alright, the soil is acidic and very sandy as its on a river bank so I figured it was some sort of mineral deficiency. Any suggestions on a good organic all round vegetable fertilizer? I have already top dressed with fish blood and bone but I assume a liquid feed of some kind would be better. I was going to make a lot of manure tea, would this help? or would a commercial more balanced feed be better?

sharon

blownin · Posted: Mon Jun 15, 2009 8:08 pm Post subject:

I have the same problem with my french beans, they were growing well in pots of compost, then i planted them in the ground with poles and netting, only they have stopped growing and the leaves have yellowed. Can anything be done for them ? i think it is poor soil structure.

barremic · Posted: Wed Jun 17, 2009 9:45 am Post subject:

Me too, they are just stitting there doing nothing. And gone a pale green colour.

I have added some manure around the base of them to hopefully give them a few nutrients, as I have never grown them before and wasnt sure what to do.

michael brenock · Posted: Wed Jun 17, 2009 12:23 pm Post subject:

be aware that when plants are under stress do not feed except very very dilute feed. more than likely there is adequate food present but the plant is unable to take it up because of low soil temperature. Where weather conditions change frequently there is a lag between to soil temperature and the air temperatures. i think these beans will grow out of this condition but with a reduced crop.

inishindie · Posted: Wed Jun 17, 2009 1:11 pm Post subject: hi

Hi Sharonl

Michael has hit on a good point there.

The weather is still a bit chilly in the evenings and there are cold winds. Our plants did nothing for a while but have picked up well over the last few days now that we have had a drop of rain.....The broad beans seem to be a bit tougher, it was the runners that were slow....

Feeding the soil is best at the pre planting stage but you could mix up a bit of comfrey or nettle juice to boost things a bit....

Cheers

Ian

michael brenock · Posted: Wed Jun 17, 2009 8:27 pm Post subject:

your broad beans and runner beans look excellent. a small bit of weevil damage on the broad bean leaves of no consequence.
michael brenock horticultural advisor (retired)

inishindie · Posted: Wed Jun 17, 2009 8:45 pm Post subject:

Cheers...You should have seen the damage that a hare did early on...It was the size of a donkey...you could have strapped a saddle to it and ridden down to the shops.

Thankfully it left us to follow it's quest for world domination.....