Peas Diseases & its Control

Fusarium Wilt (Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. pisi): The first symptom of the disease in the field is drooping of the plants followed by sudden death. The leaves may also turn yellow and drop off prematurely. Pod formation is severely affected. In collar regions of the wilted plants, necrosis and discolouration can be seen. The diseased plants can be pulled out from the easily than the healthy ones. When the diseased stem is cut, there is a dark brown, discolored band around the vascular system. Infection occurs directly through the root hairs. The fungus survives for indefinite periods in the soil.

Control: Cultural practices like long crop rotation is recommended to reduce the disease population. Treating the seeds with Carbendazim (2 g/kg of seed) protects the seedlings during the initial stages of growth. Spraying the crop with Bavistin (1%) helps to control the disease.

Bacterial Blight (Pseudomonas syrinagae pv. pisi): Cold and humid conditions favour the spread of the disease. The affected plants exhibit water-soaked lesions on the stems, leaves and pods. Lesions on the leaves appear as round-oval or irregular, reddish brown spots with translucent centre and a dark brown margin. Several such lesions may coalesce on the leaves to produce a blighted appearance. On the stem brown linear streaks are observed. A white to cream-coloured slimy ooze appears on the surface of the lesions. The infected area eventually turns brown and papery.

Control: Use of healthy and disease free seeds for planting helps to minimize the disease spread.

Powdery Mildew (Erysiphe polygoni): It is an important disease of pea. The disease appears as on the foliage and pods. Infection is first apparent on the leaves as small slightly darkened areas, which later become white powdery spots. These spots enlarge and cover the entire leaf area. Severely infected leaves may become chlorotic and distorted before falling. Affected pods are small in size and malformed.

Control: As soon as the disease symptoms are observed dusting Sulphur (2.5kg/ha) or spraying Calixin 75 EC (5 ml/10 litres of water) at 15 days interval helps to control the disease.