Avoid saving seed from virus-infected plants. Fertilizer - Follow soil test recommendations. Fertilizer should be either banded or broadcast and disked in before planting. Some growers broadcast half of the fertilizer and put the remaining half in the row before planting. Additional sidedressing may be necessary if leaching rains occur.
Beans are very sensitive to fertilizer injury.
Treat seed with a fungicide and insecticide. The ideal stand is 3 to 5 plants per ft of row. If root rots have been a problem in the past, planting on a 6-inch ridge may help reduce its incidence. To get uniform stands and to reduce seed injury, operate the planter at a speed of no greater than 3 m.p.h. About 40 to 50 lb of seed are required to plant one acre.