One or more stem infections can kill a plant. When leaves are infected, they dry out and bleach to a pale brown or white, much paler than a normal dead leaf color. The fungus can grow into the pods, or they can be infected by splashing spores. The white cottony fungal growth can completely cover the pods. Choose cultivars that have an open canopy and upright growth habit.
Space rows widely, and orient rows so the prevailing winds blow down the rows.
Avoid planting in low areas where soil remains wet for long periods, or near windbreaks where leaves won't dry. Irrigate only when necessary, and irrigate early in the day so leaves and soil can dry. Excessive amounts of nitrogen fertilizer should by avoided. Refrigerate harvested pods at 45-50 F to avoid storage losses. Resistance is available for this disease, and is usually related to upright growth habit.