Physiological Disorders

Incomplete pod fill (green pea and dry bean): Legumes When pods develop under stressful conditions (high temperatures, low soil moisture), some of the seeds growing in the pod may not set or fill properly. The seed voids cause variable pod growth, which gives them a curved or nonuniform appearance. Maintain uniform soil water conditions to minimize the problem.

Pod dehiscence (dry bean or pea): As pods dry out, the vascular bundles lose their connectedness. If the pod is very dry, they often shatter when pickled, causing the seeds to scatter. Varieties vary greatly in their expression of the problem. Picking when it is more humid or in the morning helps limit shattering and seed loss. 

Pod curvature (fresh bean): When bush beans grow poorly, flowers may be set too close to the soil. As the pods grow, they bend when they meet the soil and this causes pod curvature. Some curvature is normal, but when it is excessive, pods may be less marketable (due to appearance or if stained by the soil). Ensure plants are fertilized and watered properly so growth in not restricted, which minimizes the problem.

Split set (all legumes): In most legumes, plants flower over extended times. Split set occurs when some of the flowers abort (drop off) resulting in variable pod maturity. The combination of high temperatures (+90 °F day/75 °F nights) and low relative humidity or soil moisture stress favors flower drop. Cultivars vary in their sensitivity to weather conditions, and good irrigation practices helps minimize the problem.

Stringiness (fresh bean or pea): When pods develop under high temperatures and/or low soil moisture, the vascular bundles in the pods may lignify prematurely. Pods consist of two halves, and the vascular bundles help connect them. Stringiness makes the pods tough, so maintain uniform soil water conditions to minimize the problem. Heirloom varieties are more prone to string development.