Overview of Lathyrus cicera L.
Lathyrus cicera L., commonly known as flatpod pea, is a herbaceous plant belonging to the family Fabaceae. It is a native plant of the Mediterranean region and can be found in countries such as Turkey, Greece, Spain, and Italy. It is a self-pollinating plant that can grow up to 80 cm in height and has a lifespan of up to 3 years.
Appearance of Lathyrus cicera L.
Lathyrus cicera L. has a distinctive appearance. The plant has a single stem with several branches that bear pinnate leaves. The leaves are made up of 4 to 8 pairs of narrowly oblong leaflets. The flowers of the plant are arranged in groups of 2 to 4, and they come in a range of colors such as pink, purple, and white. The plant produces flat pods that are about 2-3 cm long and contain up to 6 seeds each.
Common Names of Lathyrus cicera L.
Lathyrus cicera L. is known by several common names, depending on the country or region. In English, it is commonly known as the flatpod pea or red chickling vetch. In Spain, it is known as arveja cecera, while in Italy it is known as ciceratella.
Uses of Lathyrus cicera L.
Lathyrus cicera L. has several uses. The seeds of the plant are edible and are often used as a source of food in some parts of the Mediterranean region. They can be consumed fresh or dried, and are often used in soups, stews, and salads. Additionally, the plant is used as a forage crop for livestock. The plant is also used for soil improvement and erosion control due to its ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen.
Light Requirements
Lathyrus cicera L. prefers full sunlight but can adapt to partial shade, making it a versatile plant to grow. It needs at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day to produce healthy growth. It's crucial to avoid planting it in areas with too much shade, as this can cause stunted growth.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for Lathyrus cicera L. is between 10°C to 27°C (50°F to 81°F). It thrives well in moderate temperatures, but it can tolerate colder temperatures as long as the soil is well-drained. The plant's growth can get stunted in extremely high temperatures, so avoid planting in areas with high temperatures above 32°C(90°F).
Soil Requirements
Lathyrus cicera L. prefers loamy soil that is well-drained and fertile. A neutral pH of 6.0-7.5 is the ideal range for optimal growth. It can tolerate a broad range of soil types, including clayey and sandy soils, as long as the soil is fertile. The plant also requires adequate moisture, but it won't withstand waterlogging.
Cultivation of Lathyrus Cicera L.
Lathyrus cicera L. is a hardy species that can adapt to various soil types, but it thrives best in well-draining loam or soil enriched with organic matter. The plant requires full sun exposure with a temperature range of 18-27C to grow optimally.
Watering Needs
Lathyrus cicera requires moderate watering, particularly during the vegetative stage. Watering should be done thoroughly but infrequently to avoid waterlogging or water stress. In the flowering phase, watering can be reduced slightly.
Fertilization
In the early stages of growth, Lathyrus cicera requires adequate nitrogen to stimulate vegetative growth. Once the plant flowers, a phosphorus-rich fertilizer is essential to enhance flowering and boost pod set. Potassium is also essential during the reproductive phase to support pod maturation.
Pruning
Lathyrus cicera requires minimal pruning; however, you can pinch or deadhead spent blooms to encourage more flowers. Harvesting of mature pods should also be done regularly to stimulate growth and pod production. Pruning should be done in the early morning or late afternoon to prevent excessive transpiration.
Propagation of Lathyrus cicera L.
Lathyrus cicera L., commonly known as red pea, is a perennial legume plant that belongs to the family Fabaceae. It is native to the Mediterranean region and is widely cultivated for its edible seeds and as an ornamental plant. Lathyrus cicera L. can be propagated by various methods.
Seed Propagation
Seed propagation is the most common method of propagating Lathyrus cicera L. The seeds of Lathyrus cicera L. can be sown directly in the field or in pots. The best time for sowing is in the early spring or the fall. The seeds should be placed in the soil at a depth of about 2-3 cm and covered lightly with soil. Water the seeds regularly and keep the soil moist until germination occurs, which usually takes about 2-3 weeks.
Vegetative Propagation
Lathyrus cicera L. can also be propagated vegetatively through stem cuttings or division. Stem cuttings should be taken in the spring or early summer from the previous year's growth. Cuttings should be about 15-20 cm long and should be taken from healthy plants. Remove the leaves from the bottom half of the cutting and insert it into moist soil. Keep the soil moist and warm until roots develop, which usually takes about 4-5 weeks.
The division method involves dividing mature plants in the early spring when the plant is dormant. Dig up the plant and gently divide it into smaller sections, making sure each section has some roots attached. Replant the divisions in their desired location and water them well.
Grafting
Lathyrus cicera L. can also be propagated through grafting. Grafting involves joining the stem of one plant onto the rootstock of another plant. This method is commonly used to propagate specific cultivars or to create a more resilient plant through increased disease or drought resistance. Grafting should be done in the spring or early summer when the plants are actively growing.
In conclusion, Lathyrus cicera L. can be propagated through various methods, including seed propagation, vegetative propagation, and grafting. Each method has its advantages, and the choice of propagation method will depend on the desired outcomes and available resources.
Disease and Pest Management for Lathyrus cicera L.
Lathyrus cicera L., also known as red pea, is a legume crop commonly grown for its high-protein seeds. However, it is susceptible to various diseases and pests that can significantly reduce yields. Therefore, it's essential to take proper disease and pest management measures to ensure a healthy and productive crop.
Common Diseases
Lathyrus cicera L. is prone to several diseases, including fungal, bacterial, and viral infections. Some of the common diseases that affect this plant include:
- Anthracnose: A fungal disease that causes the plant's leaves and pods to become discolored and develop sunken spots. To manage this disease, remove and destroy infected plant debris and use fungicides.
- Fusarium Wilt: This fungal disease affects the plant's root system, causing stunted growth and yellowing of leaves. Crop rotation and soil fumigation can help prevent the spread of Fusarium wilt.
- Mosaic Virus: A viral disease that causes mottling and distortion of the plant's leaves. There is no cure for this disease, so prevention is crucial. Ensure proper sanitation measures, including the use of virus-free seeds, to prevent the spread of mosaic virus.
Common Pests
In addition to diseases, Lathyrus cicera L. can also be attacked by various pests. Some of the common pests to watch out for include:
- Aphids: These tiny insects puncture the plant's leaves and stems, causing yellowing and wilting. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control aphids on Lathyrus cicera L.
- Cutworms: The larvae of various moth species can cut the plant's stems, causing wilting and death. Use Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) or insecticide to control cutworms.
- Bean Beetles: These beetles feed on the plant's leaves, causing defoliation and poor growth. Hand-picking and proper crop rotation can help manage bean beetles.
Overall, taking preventative measures such as proper sanitation, crop rotation, and the use of disease-resistant seeds can help reduce the impact of diseases and pests on Lathyrus cicera L. In addition, regular scouting and the use of appropriate pest control measures can help protect your crop from insect damage.
