A fungal disease which attacks Broad Beans and looks like the leaves have been dusted with chocolate powder. The stems may also be affected. It is favoured by acidic growing conditions, lush growth and damp spring weather. Winter-sown crops are more susceptible. The crop will be reduced and the plants may die if the infection is severe. The beans are still edible, but the pods may be discoloured.
Affected plants should be burnt at the end of cropping. Space seed or plants well appart when planting and do not use large amounts of nitrogenous fertilizers.
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