Rootlets may develop above the lesion, enabling the plant to survive. Water-soaked lesions may appear on the stem and branches where the affected tissue becomes soft and slimy. When the stem is girdled, the plant wilts suddenly and dies. Older plants may develop dark brown lesions instead of soft rot and may be stunted or die prematurely. Planting after the soil has warmed should produce rapid, vigorous growth.
Cool soils can increase the incidence of root rots.
Shallow planting may be helpful. Planting fungicide-treated seed can reduce seedling rots. Treat soils with appropriate fungicides is available for commercial crops. Most bean varieties are susceptible to root rots under certain conditions but some more so than others. Kentucky Wonder Pole Beans and White Half Runner beans are among the most susceptible.