Ontario has, since the late seventies, had a history with the dry bean Anthracnose disease. 
At least once in every decade since the 70’s the disease has flared up and 2010 was such a flare up.  Weather, along with a lapse in, or perhaps ignored or forgotten good cultural practices all played a role in this past year’s out-break of the disease.  A good portion of the major growing region was affected – See Map

As with most diseases “an ounce of prevention staves off a pound of cure”.  Anthracnose is a seed-borne disease affecting all market classes of dry beans in the Phaseolus family.  It impacts both yield and quality.
The first line of defense is resistant varieties, of which there are few.  The second line of defense is Pedigreed Seed that has an effective seed treatment applied. 
For the upcoming 2011 crop, certified seed will be a must. 
See -  Call to use Certified seed.
Once the crop has been planted, a rigorous scouting and, if needed, follow through treatment program(s) could be a must.
Ontario dry bean growers can consult OMAFRA articles, fact sheets and info-sheets, specific to dry beans at:
Dry Edible Bean Topics
Specific topics on dry bean crop protection can be found in Chapter 5 of publication 812 Field Crop Protection Guide.

For more information:
Toll Free: 1-877-424-1300
Local: (519) 826-4047
E-mail: ag.info.omafra@ontario.ca

Root rot, damping-off, and seed rots are major soil-borne fugal pathogens widespread throughout dry bean growing areas. Yield losses from root rot range from a trace to 100 percent, especially if adverse environmental conditions persist after planting through flowering. Compact and poorly drained soils tend to have more root rot. The most common root rot pathogens are Fusarium root rot or dry rot (Fusarium solani), Rhizoctonia root and pod rot (Rhizoctonia solani), and Pythium damping off (various Pythium species). Field surveys in Ontario dry bean fields have shown that Fusarium spp. is the most prevalent cause of root rot. Roots are constantly exchanging water, sugars and gases with surrounding soil. Damaged roots release more of these substances (leaky) into the soil, which attract root rot pathogens. Root stressed plants may often resemble nutrient deficiencies, herbicide injury or other stresses. Stunting, overall poor growth, yellowing of leaves, and wilting are symptoms of root rot.

fungicide-for-health-2006.pdf

headline-x-seed-trt-for-anthrac-2006.pdf

seed-trt-for-anthrac-2006.pdf

fungicide-for-anthrac-2006.pdf

white-mold-2006.pdf

quadris-x-seed-trt-for-anthrac-2006.pdf

white-mold-20062.pdf