Broad Bean tops?

[threepeas]

hi

I have read in a few magazines that you should take the tops of your broad beans to stop blackfly.

When should you do this?

Ours have been flowering for about 2 weeks now and i have seen a few ants running up the plants, so i dont know if they are eating anything??

Help!!!

[binley100]

I'm sure someone will correct me if I'm wrong but I think it's when you've got the first pods developing.

[Shadylane]

Not sure of the answer to this but mine have had ants on for ages but no black fly yet, dunnno what that's all about

[ginger ninger]

The ant's will be searching for the black flies they farm them for the sticky sugary solution that pop's out of there back end, they've been known to pick them up and place them in a better place for them (black fly) to feed.
Binley's right, nip the top's out when the first bean's have set this should stop the biggest majority of the black fly, but you might still get a few on the lower part of the plant.

[northepaul]

Hmmm.. one of mine has set some pods, so how much of the plant do I take off?

[binley100]

Ummmmmmm think its just the bit that hasn't opened out into leaves yet.....

[Flummery]

Just nip the top of the shoot our. Don't waste it - you can cook and eat it.

[Alison]

I never bother but don't seem to get any problems with black flies so maybe just lucky.