"June Hughes" wrote in message
...
I have broad bean plants which have many flowers and are about 4 feet
tall. This afternoon, I noticed some 1/4 inch slits in the lower leaves
and on closer inspection, spotted several ants hurrying up and down the
stems of several of the plants. I killed them but know that is not the end
of the matter. I haven't seen any greenfly yet but suspect that may be
what the ants are up to, unless someone here knows different. I can deal
very well with greenfly on flowering plants like my jasmine by brushing a
finger and thumb along the tainted stem but don't know what to do about my
beans and the reason for the slits is a mystery to me. Can anyone help me
please? Many thanks in advance.
--
June Hughes

No idea what caused the slits you speak of but I would not kill the ants
under any circumstances. They do no harm whatsoever and can be seen
'milking' the aphids were you to have any.

Robert
www.rraa.moonfruit.com
Feed the soil, save the planet