Peas are a popular and nutritious crop, but they are susceptible to a variety of pests and diseases that can significantly impact their growth and yield. Understanding these threats and how to manage them is crucial for a successful pea harvest. Here’s a detailed look at the common pests and diseases that affect peas and how to address them.
Common Pests Affecting Peas
- Aphids Aphids are small, sap-sucking insects that can cause significant damage to pea plants. They are usually green or black and can be found on the undersides of leaves and stems. Aphids feed on the plant’s sap, leading to stunted growth, yellowing leaves, and distorted pods. They also excrete a sticky substance called honeydew, which can attract other pests and promote the growth of sooty mold1. To control aphids, you can use a strong jet of water to dislodge them, introduce natural predators like ladybugs, or apply insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Pea Weevils Pea weevils are small beetles that lay their eggs on pea flowers or pods. The larvae feed on the developing seeds inside the pods, causing significant damage. Signs of infestation include small holes in the pods and larvae inside1. Crop rotation and removing affected pods can help manage pea weevil populations.
- Pea Moths Adult pea moths lay their eggs on pea flowers or developing pods. The larvae feed on the seeds inside the pods, reducing yield and quality1. Pheromone traps can be used to monitor and control pea moth populations. Removing infested pods and maintaining good garden hygiene can also help.
- Slugs and Snails Slugs and snails are common garden pests that feed on the leaves, stems, and pods of pea plants, leaving behind slime trails and holes1. To control them, you can use physical barriers like copper tape, handpick them in the evening, or use organic slug pellets.
- Cutworms Cutworms are caterpillars that feed on the stems of young pea plants at the soil line, causing the plants to collapse2. Placing collars around the base of the plants and removing plant debris can help prevent cutworm damage.
Common Diseases Affecting Peas
- Ascochyta Blight Ascochyta blight is caused by a group of fungi that survive in plant debris and infected seeds. Symptoms include blackened stems, yellow foliage with brown blotches, and bud drop3. To control this disease, remove and destroy infected plants, practice crop rotation, and use disease-free seeds.
- Bacterial Blight Bacterial blight is caused by bacteria that survive in plant debris and infected seeds. Symptoms include dark green water spots on leaves that turn brown and papery3. To manage bacterial blight, use disease-free seeds, remove plant debris, and avoid overhead watering.
- Root Rot and Damping Off These diseases are caused by soil-borne fungi that thrive in cool, wet conditions. Symptoms include soft, rotted seeds and seedlings with sunken stem lesions3. To prevent these diseases, ensure well-drained soil, avoid overwatering, and use fungicide-treated seeds.
- Powdery Mildew Powdery mildew is a fungal disease characterized by a white or gray powdery coating on leaves, stems, and pods4. To control powdery mildew, remove infected plant material, ensure good air circulation, and use fungicidal sprays containing sulfur or potassium bicarbonate.
- Downy Mildew Downy mildew causes yellowish-green or purplish-brown spots on leaves, with a downy white or gray mold on the undersides4. To manage downy mildew, provide good air circulation, avoid overhead watering, and use fungicidal sprays containing copper or mancozeb.
- Fusarium Wilt Fusarium wilt is a soil-borne fungal disease that causes wilting, yellowing foliage, and plant death4. There is no cure once a plant is infected, so prevention through crop rotation and using disease-resistant varieties is essential.
Prevention and Management Strategies
- Crop Rotation: Rotate crops to prevent the buildup of pests and diseases in the soil.
- Sanitation: Remove plant debris and infected plants to reduce sources of infection.
- Resistant Varieties: Use disease-resistant pea varieties whenever possible.
- Proper Watering: Water plants at the base to avoid wetting the foliage and reduce the spread of diseases.
- Monitoring: Regularly inspect plants for signs of pests and diseases and take action promptly.
By understanding and managing the pests and diseases that affect peas, you can ensure a healthy and productive pea crop. Implementing these strategies will help you enjoy a bountiful harvest of delicious and nutritious peas.
Do you have any other questions about growing or caring for peas? I’m here to help!
Read more: How do you harvest peas?
