Biology
White mold is a fungal disease which may attack stems, leaves, and pods of beans. Water-soaked spots appear on the lower portions of the plant. These spots soon show the white, cottony fungal mats characteristic of the disease. The fungus also forms hard, round, black bodies in the white mats. These variously-sized fungal structures may be internal or external on living or dead diseased tissues. They serve as an overwintering source of fungus for future infections. Diseased plants turn yellow and wilt. Diseased tissues die and turn white to beige in color. White mold development is favored by moist conditions and overfertilization. The fungus has a wide host range, including many vegetables (beans, lettuce, carrot, parsnip, cucumber, tomato, etc.).
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