Curly top
Curly top is a virus that is transmitted to bean plants by the beet
leafhopper. Plants infected
with the curly top virus show a striking down-cupping, puckering, and wrinkling of infected leaves.
The leaves become thick and brittle and may turn dark green. Portions between two joints on the
stem of infected plants become shortened, resulting in a striking dwarfing and stunting of infected
plants, particularly when plants are infected at an early stage of growth. These plants produce
few if any pods. Plants infected at later stages of growth may start to die early, lose flowers,
and produce stunted pods.
Life cycle
SolutionsPlant dry and snap bean varieties that are resistant or tolerant to the curly top virus if curly
top is in your area. Control of leafhoppers with insecticides will not reduce the incidence of
disease. |
Curled
and wrinkled leaves of curly top
|
