Troubleshooting
'Borlotto' Bean problems — and how to fix them
'Borlotto' Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris 'Borlotto Lingua di Fuoco') is generally forgiving once you match its basics, but a few issues come up again and again. Here is what each one looks like, why it happens, and the fix.
Anthracnose
Dark sunken lesions on pods and stems in wet weather; use clean seed, avoid working among wet plants, and remove infected material.
Bean rust
Reddish-brown pustules on undersides of leaves; improve airflow, avoid overhead watering and clear debris at season's end.
Halo blight and mosaic viruses
Spotting, mottling and stunting spread by aphids or infected seed; control aphids and source certified disease-free seed.
Pods rotting before they dry
Wet autumn weather can spoil the shelling crop; lift whole plants and finish drying under cover if rain threatens at maturity.
Prevent 'borlotto' bean problems before they start
Most 'borlotto' bean issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Looking for 'borlotto' bean in general rather than its problems? Read the full 'borlotto' bean care guide — light, water, soil and feeding.
'Borlotto' Bean problems — FAQ
Why is my 'borlotto' bean anthracnose?
Dark sunken lesions on pods and stems in wet weather; use clean seed, avoid working among wet plants, and remove infected material.
Why is my 'borlotto' bean bean rust?
Reddish-brown pustules on undersides of leaves; improve airflow, avoid overhead watering and clear debris at season's end.
Why is my 'borlotto' bean halo blight and mosaic viruses?
Spotting, mottling and stunting spread by aphids or infected seed; control aphids and source certified disease-free seed.
Why is my 'borlotto' bean pods rotting before they dry?
Wet autumn weather can spoil the shelling crop; lift whole plants and finish drying under cover if rain threatens at maturity.