Cause A fungus-like microorganism, Aphanomyces euteiches, that overwinters as thick-walled oospores, which can be spread by water, wind, infected plant debris, soil movement, or tillage equipment. Oospores are produced within infected root tissue, which decomposes, releasing the oospores into surrounding soil. The fungus can infect and multiply in other legume roots, such as clover, pea, lentil, Cava bean, and common bean.