Broadbeans going black

[Marb67]

Well, new start to the season and even my Autum down Sutton beans are going downhill. The Aquadulcia haven't even come up and rotted in DRY compost that wasn't even watered. All pots are in the cold greenhouse and covered with fleece. 😞

[ameno]

It's probably footrot. Broadbeans (and also peas, but not french or runner beans) are fairly prone to it, and it causes the bottom inch of the stem, along with the bit below soil level, to turn dark brown or black and die, which usually causes the rest of the plant to die not long after.
The bacteria that causes it is actually very common in the soil, but normally they don't get it this early. The compost may have been contaminated.
It's also worth noting that it's usually worse in dry conditions.

I would just resow in fresh compost. You still have plenty of time. Or maybe just wait until late February and sow direct.

[shannonbrooke07]

if you use the same pots to replant you should sterilise them.

[Marb67]

I can't belive this because I did wash all the pots, and I sowed in new seed sowing compost. I seem to just fail whatever I do. I avoided watering as I didn't want the beans to rot. Perhaps if I cut the stems back they will grow again? It seems whatever I Sow there are forces working against me. May as well give up before the season starts.

[ameno]

Any that are black have almost certainly had it. There's not point trying to revive them. Any that are still green may still pull through, though, so I would separate those from the others.

And ironically, you holding back on the watering may have exacerbated the problem, as footrot is usually worse in dry conditions (and also broad beans are unlikely to rot, anyway, as long as they are not outright waterlogged, so worrying too much about overwatering isn't really necessary).

[Marb67]

I can tell you that even the slightest watering has caused beans and peas to rot in the past so I am not taking any risks. It can't be root rot as the compost is new and the pots were washed.

[ameno]

I can tell you that even the slightest watering has caused beans and peas to rot in the past so I am not taking any risks. It can't be root rot as the compost is new and the pots were washed.

As I said before, the compost was likely contaminated. The bacteria which cause footrot in legumes are very common, so it wouldn't be at all hard for it to get into the compost (or rather, it was probably already in the ingredients in the first place, and this batch just didn't get hot enough to kill it).

As for peas and beans rotting in damp compost, that's almost always an issue with the seeds (either dead seeds or bacterially contaminated seeds). The damp compost itself is not the problem, and good seeds will never rot unless the compost is completely sodden (hell, they'll germinate just in water).
Bad batches of pea and bean seeds seem increasingly common, so even brand new seeds are no guarantee of reliability (it varies supplier to supplier and batch to batch).

[Marb67]

may as well not bother at all then 😞

[Marb67]

Well, after sowing more BB's (The Sutton - brand new from Wilko) in new seed sowing compost, washed pots they are all no show with a rotten bean in every pot. The soil is NOT wet so I can't believe this again. I have had success with BB's in the past sowing in Autumn/Winter so no idea why so bad. The compost is the same used for other seedlings last year that has been no problem so it can't be the compost. The previous sown beans are even worse as I thought they might recover but the stems are getting worse.

It just seems whatever I do I am doomed to failure despite following the rules.

[Jungle Jane]

When sowing in autumn the soil temps still warm from the summer for germination. Wait till March to sow direct outside the temp will be better for germination or sow some seeds in the house now,it’s been frosty outside the cold would’ve rot the seed I think.

[Marb67]

When sowing in autumn the soil temps still warm from the summer for germination. Wait till March to sow direct outside the temp will be better for germination or sow some seeds in the house now it’s been frosty outside the cold would’ve rot the seed I think.

I hope that was it instead of the compost. Just annoyed as I have been put back months. I know BB's are hardy after being sown in Autumn and they were in a cold greenhouse which hasn't given me any problems in the past.

[Jungle Jane]

Could you see from the seed any tiny root emergence,sometimes the lack of water in the compost affects the roots,especially in the cold,they could’ve emerged from the seed & then rotted. It would need proper investigation to give the right cause,I’d just try more seeds & not worry at all,there’s always next time that will be easily better than this time. When I fail with something it’s good to know I wouldn’t fail like that again,maybe in a different way but eventually things go right & you feel like a king of the land,creator of happiness