Introduction: Lathyrus cicera
Lathyrus cicera, commonly known as Flatpod Pea, Yellow Pea, or Chickling Pea, is a flowering plant that belongs to the family Fabaceae. It is native to Europe and Asia, and can also be found in parts of Africa and North America.
General Appearance
Lathyrus cicera is an annual plant that can grow up to 50 cm in height, with slender stems that are sparsely branched. The leaves are compound, with two to four pairs of leaflets that grow up to 2.5 cm in length. The flowers are small, pale-yellow to creamy-white, and grow in clusters of two to six. The pod is flat, oblong, and contains up to six seeds.
Uses
Lathyrus cicera has many uses, especially in traditional medicine and cuisine. Its seeds are rich in protein, and are often used as animal feed. The leaves and stem are also consumed as vegetables in some cultures. Furthermore, Lathyrus cicera has been used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments such as bronchitis, arthritis, and skin conditions.
However, caution needs to be exercised when consuming Lathyrus cicera as it contains neurotoxins that can cause Lathyrism, a serious health condition that affects the nervous system and can cause paralysis.
Conclusion
Lathyrus cicera is an interesting plant with various uses and potential health benefits. However, its consumption needs to be monitored as it contains toxins that can pose a serious health risk. Therefore, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional before consuming this plant or any herbal remedies that contain it.
Light Requirements
Lathyrus cicera typically grows in full sunlight but will tolerate partial shade. It requires at least 6 hours of sunlight per day to produce healthy and strong stems, leaves, and flowers.
Temperature Requirements
Lathyrus cicera is a cool-season crop that grows best at temperatures between 10 and 18 degrees Celsius. The plant can tolerate frost, but it does not do well in high temperatures above 25 degrees Celsius, which can cause it to wilt or go dormant.
Soil Requirements
Lathyrus cicera grows well in well-drained, fertile soils with a slightly acidic to neutral pH between 6.0 and 7.5. The plant prefers soils with high organic matter content and thrives in loamy soils that are rich in nutrients like nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus. The soil should be moist, but not waterlogged, as excessive moisture can lead to root rot.
It is also important to note that Lathyrus cicera is a legume that can fix nitrogen in the soil through a symbiotic relationship with nitrogen-fixing bacteria. Therefore, it is important to avoid using fertilizers that are high in nitrogen, as they can inhibit the plant's ability to fix its own nitrogen. Instead, use organic fertilizers or add nitrogen-fixing cover crops to the soil.
Cultivation Methods
Lathyrus cicera, commonly known as the Flatpod Pea, is an annual legume plant with a vining or climbing habit. It can climb up to 90 cm high and requires adequate support for its growth. The plant thrives in well-draining, loamy soil and prefers a sunny location. While it can grow in partial shade, the yield may be lower.
Watering Needs
The Flatpod Pea requires regular watering, especially during the early stages of growth. However, the plant prefers moderate watering once it develops and establishes its roots. Avoid overwatering, which can cause root rot.
Fertilization
Lathyrus cicera is a legume plant, which means it has the ability to fix nitrogen from the air. Therefore, it requires little fertilization. However, adding compost or other organic soil amendments before planting can enhance soil fertility and improve the plant's growth.
Pruning
Pruning the Flatpod Pea encourages bushy growth and leads to higher yields. Once the plants reach a height of 10-15 cm, pinch the tips to promote branching. Regularly remove dead or diseased leaves to avoid the spread of disease.
Propagation of Lathyrus cicera
Lathyrus cicera, also known as flat-podded pea, is a Mediterranean plant that belongs to the Fabaceae family. This plant is herbaceous and annual, growing up to 60cm in height. The plant is widely cultivated due to its ornamental value, medicinal properties, and as a source of food for animals and humans. Propagation is the process of increasing the number of Lathyrus cicera plants either sexually or asexually.
Sexual propagation
Sexual propagation involves the use of seeds to produce new Lathyrus cicera plants. The seeds are formed inside pods that develop after the plant has been pollinated. To propagate Lathyrus cicera sexually, the seeds should be sown in well-prepared soil during the early spring season. The soil should be moist and fertile to enhance germination. The seeds should be covered lightly with soil and maintained evenly moist until the seedlings develop. The seedlings should be transplanted to their final planting location when they are large enough to handle.
Asexual propagation
Asexual propagation involves the use of vegetative parts to produce new Lathyrus cicera plants. This can be done through stem cutting or division.
Stem cutting propagation
Stem cutting propagation is an asexual propagation method used to propagate Lathyrus cicera. The process involves cutting a piece of mature stem with a sharp, sterilized knife. The cutting should be at least 6cm long and have at least two nodes. The stem cutting should be dipped in rooting hormone to promote root development and then planted in moist and well-draining soil. The soil should be kept moist until roots form, and new growth appears.
Division propagation
Division propagation involves dividing the root ball of an established Lathyrus cicera plant into several smaller sections, each with some roots and shoots attached. The separated sections are then planted separately in pots or directly into the ground. This method is ideal for older plants with many stems and can be done in late winter or early spring.
Disease Management
Lathyrus cicera is susceptible to various fungal and viral diseases. One of the most common diseases that affect the plant is powdery mildew. It appears as a white powdery substance on the leaves, stems, and flowers of the plant. The best approach to manage this disease is to keep the plant dry by ensuring adequate air circulation, avoiding overhead irrigation, and spacing the plants properly. In severe cases, fungicides can be applied as a preventive measure, as the disease can spread quickly.
Anthrachnose is another fungal disease that affects Lathyrus cicera. It causes irregular brownish-black spots on the leaves, stems, and pods of the plant leading to severe damage to the foliage. You can manage this disease by removing and destroying the infected parts and avoiding overhead irrigation. Fungicides can also be applied, but this is not always necessary.
Viral diseases, such as cucumber mosaic virus, can also infect Lathyrus cicera plants. The plants will show stunted growth, curled leaves, and mottled colors. The best way to manage viral diseases is to remove and destroy infected plants as soon as possible and avoid planting the same crop or its close relatives in the same location for at least two years.
Pest Management
Several insect pests can also attack Lathyrus cicera, and the most common one is the pea aphid. These small soft-bodied insects feed on the sap of the plant, causing stunted growth, yellowing, curling, and distortion of the leaves. You can manage them by using natural predators such as ladybugs, lacewings, and parasitic wasps. Additionally, you can use insecticidal soap or horticultural oil to manage their infestation.
The bean beetle, also known as the Mexican bean beetle, is another pest that can cause significant damage to Lathyrus cicera. These beetles feed on the leaves, flowers, and fruits of the plant, causing severe defoliation, and can quickly destroy the entire plant. You can manage their infestation by handpicking them off the plant or applying organic insecticides such as neem oil, pyrethrin, or spinosad.
Leafhoppers and spider mites are also common pests that can affect Lathyrus cicera. They cause yellowing, curling, and stunted growth of the plant by sucking its plant sap. For effective pest management, maintain the plant's health by providing optimal conditions, avoid overcrowding, and promote natural predators or beneficial insects in the area.
