Failing Emperors?

[shaggydali]

This year my Scarlet Emperor runner beans are failing. I have again grown them from seed, yet this year they are just sitting there. Out of fifteen plants only three look OK, with only one running up the frame.
They are in the same place as before with afternoon sun, sheltered with a good strong frame. The soil was well prepared with organic matter, both well rotted manure and chicken manure pellets. It had fresh compost added to it and the young plants were carefully planted at the right depth and have not been allowed to dry out.
My bean plants are mostly yellowish, weak and without runners with the exception of one which looks fine.
What has happened ???

[opabinia51]

I'm not really sure but, it sounds like your plants are diseased. Have you planted them in the same spot year after year? You may want to try planting them in a different spot and see what happens.

[The Helpful Gardener]

Could the seeds have been collected before maturation? That one good one sounds fishy...