[bcj]

Last year, although I had a good crop of beans, the plants died early because the leaves became covered in what looked like a black sooty mould. This year, I have just noticed the same problem beginning. I have found small black insects or eggs on the undersides of some leaves - not the same ones as those with the mould-. I have taken off the mouldy and infested leaves. Please can anyone tell me what exactly the problem is and how I can save the plants?

[agapanthus]

Please someone answer this....I have the same problem;)

[mkhenry]

All the others must be watching TV.So I will give it a go.

It sounds like a very bad case of Sooty Mould.

This is caused by the growth of a blackish fungus that grows on the sticky sugerery waste matter left on the surface of the leaves by sap sucking insects,such as aphids,mealy bugs,scales,and white fly etc.

If it is, its best to wipe the black stuff off before it builds up.
The insects you see on the underside of the leaves need removeing also because they are causing the problem.

Insecticidal soap will help

[muntjac]

put somewashing up liquid  in water 2 tablespoons  to couple pints water in a sprayer spray the underside of the leave where the mould is also the beans cover the lot if possible .leave to dry , .. this should kill the beasties n sort the mould spores out reapply a couple days later .remember to wsh the beans before eating em

[bcj]

Thankyou mkhenry and muntjac. I haven't got any insecticidal soap - is it organic? - so I will try the washing up treatment today.

[agapanthus]

Thanks henry and munt