What's eating my mung bean?

Mung bean (Vigna radiata) is vulnerable from germination through harvest. Whitefly is the single most damaging pest because it vectors mung bean yellow mosaic virus, which can cut yields by 17–71%. The stem fly attacks seedlings at ground level. Aphids and thrips are chronic pressure throughout the season.

Adults and nymphs suck phloem sap; critically, transmits mung bean yellow mosaic virus (MYMV), causing yellow mosaic on leaves and shrivelled pods Use yellow sticky traps; apply neem oil or insecticidal soap early; use reflective silver mulch to repel adults; grow resistant varieties where available

Larvae tunnel into the stem at soil level soon after germination; seedlings wilt and collapse; damage looks like damping-off Treat seed with a registered insecticide or neem seed coat before sowing; delay sowing to avoid peak adult flush; pull and destroy affected seedlings

Colonies on growing tips and pods cause curling and stunting; secondary sooty mould reduces photosynthesis Water-blast small colonies; use insecticidal soap; encourage ladybirds; avoid excessive nitrogen fertiliser

Silvery streaking and distortion of leaves at seedling stage; flower drop during pod fill when infestation is severe Apply spinosad or neem oil at first sign; use blue sticky traps; maintain adequate irrigation to reduce heat-stress susceptibility