Introduction
Lathyrus sativus L., commonly known as Grass pea, is an annual climbing legume plant belonging to the Fabaceae family. It is widely known for its high nutritional value and is grown in various regions of the world.
Origin and Distribution
The plant's origin is traced back to the Mediterranean and southwestern Asia. Its cultivation dates back to prehistoric times in the Mediterranean region and is currently grown in various countries such as India, Ethiopia, Australia, and Europe.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known by various other names such as Chickling vetch, Indian pea, Khesari, and Almorta among others.
Uses
The Lathyrus sativus plant is primarily grown for its seeds, which are rich in protein and starch. The seeds can be consumed either boiled or fried and used in making soup, porridge, snacks, and animal feed.
Grass pea is important in regions where food security is a challenge due to its ability to grow in poor soil, drought, and low fertility conditions. It is also considered a drought-resistant crop and can serve as an alternative to other conventional crops.
General Appearance
The Lathyrus sativus plant is an annual climbing legume that can grow up to 1.5 meters long. The stems are slender and hairy, with the leaves composed of several oblong leaflets. The flowers are purple or white in color and arranged in clusters. The pods are oblong and contain several seeds, which are round, yellow or brown in color.
Light Requirements
Lathyrus sativus L. grows best in full sun, which means that it requires at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. If the plant does not receive enough light, it may grow tall and spindly instead of compact and bushy.
Temperature Requirements
Lathyrus sativus L. is known to be a cool-season crop. The ideal temperature for germination is between 10°C and 20°C while the optimum temperature for growth and development ranges between 15°C to 25°C. Temperatures above 30°C decrease seed production and cause sterility.
Soil Requirements
The soil requirements for Lathyrus sativus L. include well-draining soil, with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. The plant prefers a soil that is rich in organic matter. Additionally, the soil should be moist but not waterlogged, as waterlogging can cause root rot.
Cultivation Methods
Lathyrus sativus L., commonly known as grass pea, is a cool-season crop that grows best in well-drained soil with a pH of 6.0-7.5. The plant prefers full sunlight but can tolerate partial shade. Before planting, the soil should be deeply tilled to promote good root growth. The seeds can be sown directly into the soil or transplanted as seedlings. The best time for planting is in early spring, after the last frost date.
Watering Needs
Lathyrus sativus L. requires regular watering, especially during the germination and vegetative stages. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged. The frequency and amount of watering will depend on the weather conditions and the soil type. The plant can tolerate some drought but excessive dryness can stunt growth and reduce yields.
Fertilization
Lathyrus sativus L. requires moderate amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium for healthy growth. The soil should be tested before planting to determine the nutrient needs. Nitrogen should be applied before planting and during the vegetative stage. Phosphorus and potassium can be added at planting time. Organic matter, such as compost or manure, can also be used to improve soil fertility.
Pruning
Lathyrus sativus L. does not require pruning but can benefit from pinching back the tips of the vines to promote branching and increase yields. Deadheading old flowers can also encourage the plant to produce more blooms. It is important to avoid excessive pruning as it can reduce overall plant growth and yield.
Propagation of Lathyrus sativus L.
Lathyrus sativus L. is commonly known as the Grass pea, Chickling or Indian pea. It is an important legume crop and is widely cultivated in the Mediterranean region, India, and Ethiopia for its seeds, which are rich in protein and amino acids. The plant can be propagated by both sexual and asexual methods.
Sexual Propagation
The sexual propagation of Lathyrus sativus L. is done through the use of seeds. The seed rate for Lathyrus sativus L. is about 70 kg/ha. The seeds are sown at a depth of 2-3 cm and at a spacing of 30 cm. The best time for sowing is from mid-November to mid-December in temperate regions and from September to October in tropical regions. The seeds germinate in about 7-10 days and the plants start flowering in about 105-120 days after sowing.
Asexual Propagation
The asexual propagation of Lathyrus sativus L. is done through cuttings. The cuttings are taken from the mature plants during the dormant season. The cuttings should be 10-12 cm long and should have at least two nodes. The cuttings are planted in a rooting medium, which could be sand, peat, or a mixture of both. The cuttings should be dipped in a rooting hormone before planting to facilitate root formation. The cuttings should be kept under mist and in a shaded area until roots are well established. The rooted cuttings are then transplanted to the field after the last frost.
Both sexual and asexual propagation methods can be used to propagate Lathyrus sativus L. However, sexual propagation is more commonly used as it is easier and more economical. Asexual propagation is used in the production of disease-free cultivars or to increase the number of plants with desirable traits.
Disease and Pest Management for Lathyrus sativus L.
Lathyrus sativus L., commonly known as grass pea, is a legume crop that has been cultivated for centuries for human consumption and animal feed. However, like any other crop, it is prone to several diseases and pests that can reduce its yield and quality. Effective disease and pest management practices can help minimize the damage caused by these organisms and ensure a healthy crop.
Common Diseases that Affect Lathyrus sativus L.
1. Ascochyta Blight: This is a fungal disease that causes small, dark spots on the leaves, stems, and pods of the plant. As the disease progresses, the spots enlarge and merge, resulting in the death of the affected tissues. To manage this disease, farmers should ensure that the crop is grown in well-drained soils with adequate nutrients and water. They should also use disease-free seeds and rotate their crops regularly.
2. Powdery Mildew: Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that causes a white, powdery growth on the leaves, stems, and pods of the plant. It can reduce photosynthesis, stunting growth and reducing yield. Farmers can prevent this disease by planting disease-resistant varieties of Lathyrus sativus L., ensuring adequate soil moisture and proper air circulation, and removing infected plant parts immediately.
3. Fusarium Wilt: Fusarium wilt is a fungal disease that causes yellowing, wilting, and death of the plant. It is common in poorly drained soils and can spread rapidly to neighboring plants. Farmers can manage this disease by avoiding overwatering, removing infected plants, and rotating crops to prevent the buildup of the pathogen in the soil.
Common Pests that Affect Lathyrus sativus L.
1. Aphids: Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that suck sap from the leaves and stems of the plant, causing wilting and stunted growth. Farmers can manage aphids by using insecticidal soap sprays or by introducing natural enemies such as ladybugs and lacewings.
2. Cutworms: Cutworms are the larvae of moths that feed on the stems of young plants, causing them to wilt and die. To manage cutworms, farmers can use cutworm collars or apply a biological insecticide such as Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt).
3. Slugs and Snails: Slugs and snails feed on the leaves and stems of the plant, leaving large holes and slime trails. Farmers can reduce the damage caused by these pests by removing plant debris, planting trap crops, and using iron phosphate baits.
Overall, effective disease and pest management practices are essential for a successful Lathyrus sativus L. crop. Farmers should practice crop rotation, use disease-resistant varieties, implement integrated pest management strategies, and maintain proper soil moisture and nutrition levels.
