This disease was devastating to the lima bean crop prior to 1958, when resistant varieties were introduced. Delmarva is the only region where Downy mildew flourishes, presenting still another potential competitive disadvantage for our region. Fortunately, resistance to the disease is available in new varieties being developed for this area. University of Delaware Extension staff and faculty have conducted work on weed control, nutrient management, pest management, other plant diseases and harvester improvements in recent years, continuing a long tradition of working towards improving lima bean production. Several publications on lima bean production are available from your county Extension office or my office.
Research is needed on the marketing and consumption side of the equation.
Whatever the answer, the production and processing of lima beans are now, and should be, an important part of Delmarva's agricultural industry. John C. Nye, Dean and Director. Distributed in furtherance of Acts of Congress of May 8 and June 30, 1914. It is the policy of the Delaware Cooperative Extension System that no person shall be subjected to discrimination on the grounds of race, color, sex, disability, age, or national origin.