There are 20 herbicides registered for controlling weeds in Phaseolus vulgaris. These are registered for Dry Beans, however, they should be applicable to green beans as well.  These herbicides differ with regard to stage and method of application and the spectrum of weeds they control.  These herbicides in combination with each other, or in certain cases [...]

The Fall Armyworm is native to the US and northern parts of South America (Argentina).  I think that everyone is quite surprised to find it in central Africa and especially South Africa.  The spread of Fall Armyworm in to South Africa can be attributed to globalization and we will have to deal with many more such [...]

We know that the quality of irrigation water is slowly deteriorating in South Africa. The salt content of water is ever increasing due to uncontrolled mining activities, heavy industrial effluent being dumped into rivers and intensive agricultural practices.  At the end, the grower is becomes limited in what can commercially be grown (and I mean with making [...]

Important green bean bacterial diseases and their control Here is a warning to all prospective growers; green beans are quite susceptible to diseases. Just like other fast growing soft leaf vegetables, you have to be on your toes and look at warning signs. Although preventative sprays is the easiest way out it is more expensive. [...]

Virus diseases of green beans Virus diseases of green beans is a problem in the open field. As viruses cannot move by themselves, they need a host or vector to hitch a ride. Two main methods of transportation or distribution are insects and humans.  Insects are the most difficult to control and are also the [...]

Fungal diseases of green beans Damping off Damping off is caused by various fungi. The most common fungi that show symptoms of damping off are Rhizoctonia root rot (Rhizoctonia solani), Pythium Root Rot (Pythium spp.), Phytophthora root rot (Phytophthora spp.) and Black root rot (Thielaviopsis basicola).  The first symptoms are a weak stand. It is a soil borne fungi [...]

On commercial farms the most common method of planting is with precision planters. These planters can be set according to the size of the bean and the planting density required in the field. The most uniform yields are achieved this way compared to hand planting. As soon as the bean seed is planted overhead irrigation [...]

Green beans, or scientifically known as Phaseolus vulgaris L. is part of the family known as Fabaceae (Leguminosae) or legumes. Green beans can be grouped with potatoes, tomatoes, cabbage and onions in terms of their importance in human nutrition. It is not a niche crop such as cherry tomatoes so it competes as a commodity in [...]