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Runner Bean Leaves - Brown Spots Not Rust #876970

Asked July 12, 2024, 12:33 PM EDT

My runner / pole beans have these tiny brown spots. First it was a few leaves here and there and then overnight the bottom 1/3 of my whole row seems “infected”. It’s not matching any bean disease I can find only, so I’m thinking pest, but I can’t find any particular pest. I have ladybugs in the vicinity so I don’t want to spray unnecessarily.

Oakland County Michigan

Expert Response

These are white half runner beans + a few Kentucky wonder, direct sow, back around Mother’s Day. 

The Question Asker Replied July 12, 2024, 12:36 PM EDT

Hi Kristina, thanks for the question.

Looking at the pictures, it looks like ozone damage. It appears that Oakland County had some elevated ozone levels on July 8 ( AirNow Interactive Map (epa.gov)).  Not much you can do at this point.  Early stages can look like spider mite damage so you may want to check that out with a "paper test" (see link below).  For spider mites a hard spray of water (especially to the underside of the leaves) or spraying insecticidal soap can keep the population down. Check out the following links:

AirPollutionAndVegetables.pdf (umd.edu)

Ozone injury on beans | Vegetable Pathology – Long Island Horticultural Research & Extension Center (cornell.edu)

AirNow Interactive Map (epa.gov)

Two-Spotted and McDaniel Spider Mites | USU

I hope this is helpful.

An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 12, 2024, 6:19 PM EDT

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