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Bean mosaic virus
Bean common mosaic virus (BCMV)
Viral diseaseHigh impact
A virus spread primarily by aphids that causes mottled, distorted foliage and stunted growth. There is no cure once a plant is infected. Management focuses on removing infected plants and controlling aphid vectors to prevent spread.
Currently in peak season - extra vigilance worthwhile.
Key facts
- Type
- Viral disease
- Affects
- Bean
- Active season
- May - Sep
- Peak season
- Jun - Aug
- Vulnerable stages
- Growing · Harvesting
- Spread rate
- moderate
- If confirmed
- Act now
Signs & symptoms
- -yellow-green mosaic mottling across leaf surfaces
- -puckered, distorted, or curled leaves
- -stunted plant growth and reduced vigour
- -pods may be mottled, deformed, or fail to fill properly
Management
Do now
- -Remove and bin infected plants - do not compost
- -Control aphid populations on remaining plants to reduce spread
- -Wash hands and tools between handling plants
Prevention
- -Control aphids proactively from mid-spring to reduce transmission risk
Further reading
- -Bean mosaic spreads by aphids, not soil or tools - the virus is introduced by winged aphids moving between plants
- -There is no treatment once a plant is infected; early removal limits spread to neighbours
- -Aphid control is the single most effective preventive measure