Overview of Pisum sativum arvense
Pisum sativum arvense, commonly known as field pea or Austrian winter pea, is a plant that belongs to the Fabaceae family. It is a type of pea that is predominantly used as a cover crop. Field peas are annual plants that grow up to 3 feet tall with a spread of about 3 feet.
Origin of Pisum sativum arvense
Pisum sativum arvense is native to the Mediterranean region and Western Asia. It has been used as a cover crop in Europe since the Middle Ages. In America, field pea was introduced in the 1600s and was primarily used as a food crop for humans and livestock. Nowadays, Pisum sativum arvense is widely grown as a cover crop and green manure.
Appearance
The plant has a vine-like structure and produces white or purple flowers. The leaves are compound and have a pair of oval to elliptic leaflets. Field peas are typically grown as winter or spring annuals and have a dense root system that can reach up to 6 feet in depth. The plant has a high tolerance to drought and can survive in a wide range of soil types.
Uses of Pisum sativum arvense
Field pea has many uses in agriculture. It is primarily grown as a cover crop for soil improvement, erosion control, and weed suppression. Farmers also use field peas as a green manure to improve soil fertility and structure. Additionally, field pea is used as a forage crop for livestock as it contains high levels of protein and starch. It is also used in human consumption as a source of food, particularly in soups and stews. Furthermore, field peas have been shown to have health benefits due to their high content of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals.
Light Requirements
Pisum sativum arvense, commonly known as field pea, requires full sun to partial shade to grow and develop properly. The plant thrives well in sunny locations, but it can also tolerate some shade.
Temperature Requirements
Peas prefer cool temperature for growth and produce the best yields when grown in temperatures ranging between 55°F and 65°F. The seeds are tolerant to cold temperatures and can grow in soil temperatures as low as 40°F. Temperatures above 85°F can lead to reduced germination rates and poor yields.
Soil Requirements
The ideal soil for Pisum sativum arvense should be well-draining, fertile, and sandy loam soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. The plant prefers a soil rich in organic matter, and it can grow in soil types ranging from light sand to heavy clay soil. The soil should be moist but not waterlogged, and it should have good aeration to allow easy root development. Field peas do not tolerate acidic soils and require proper liming before planting.
Cultivation Methods
Pisum sativum arvense, commonly known as field pea or dry pea, is an annual leguminous crop that is grown for its dried seeds. It is relatively easy to grow and can tolerate cold and wet conditions, making it a suitable crop in many regions.
Planting should take place in a well-drained soil with temperatures between 10°C and 25°C for optimal growth. The seeds should be planted at a depth of 5-7cm and spaced 5-10cm apart in rows that are 45-75cm apart. Field pea can be planted either in the fall or spring, and the crop matures in approximately 70-90 days.
Watering Needs
Field pea requires sufficient moisture for proper growth and development. During the early stages of growth, the crop should be consistently watered to establish roots and promote proper shoot growth. Once the plants have established, avoid overwatering to prevent root damage and reduce the risk of diseases. Generally, field pea requires approximately 450-600mm of water during the growing season.
Fertilization
Field pea has a relatively low demand for external nutrient inputs and can generally thrive in soils with low fertility. However, adding fertilizers can increase yields. Before planting, it is recommended to apply fertilizers that are high in phosphorus and potassium, as these nutrients promote root and shoot growth. Nitrogen should be applied when the plants start to flower, as it promotes flower and pod formation. However, excessive nitrogen use can cause excessive foliage growth at the expense of pod development.
Pruning
Field pea does not require extensive pruning since most of the plant growth is directed towards developing pods. However, it is recommended to remove any diseased or damaged plant parts to prevent the spread of disease to healthy parts of the plant. Additionally, removing the top one to two nodes of the plant may promote branching and increase yields.
Propagation of Pisum sativum arvense
Pisum sativum arvense, commonly known as field peas or dry peas, can be propagated through various methods. This plant is a cool-season crop that is often planted early in the season, making propagation essential for successful cultivation.
Seed Propagation
The most common method of propagating Pisum sativum arvense is through seed propagation. The seeds should be sowed in well-drained soil, about 2-3 inches deep and 3-4 inches apart. It is best to plant peas in soil that is slightly cooler, around 60°F, and in moderate to full sunlight. The seeds should be watered regularly, but not over-watered, until they germinate, which typically occurs within 7-14 days.
Cuttings Propagation
Pisum sativum arvense can also be propagated through cuttings. This method involves taking cuttings from mature plants and rooting them in water or soil. However, this method is not commonly used as it is typically less successful than seed propagation.
Division Propagation
Division propagation can also be used for Pisum sativum arvense. This method involves dividing the plant into smaller sections and replanting them in well-drained soil. However, this method is not commonly used for peas as they do not have a clumping growth habit.
Grafting Propagation
Grafting propagation can also be used for Pisum sativum arvense. This method involves attaching a cutting or scion of the desired variety onto a rootstock of a different variety. The two plants grow together, and the desired variety obtains the root system of the rootstock. However, this method is also not commonly used for peas.
Overall, seed propagation is the most common and efficient method of propagating Pisum sativum arvense. This cool-season crop can thrive in moderate to full sunlight and well-drained soil. With proper care and propagation, Pisum sativum arvense can produce a bountiful crop of field peas or dry peas.
Disease and Pest Management for Pisum sativum arvense Plant
Pisum sativum arvense, commonly known as field pea, is a type of peas that is grown commercially and in home gardens. Like all plants, it is vulnerable to a range of diseases and pests that can threaten its growth and productivity. Here are some of the common diseases and pests that can affect Pisum sativum arvense and ways to manage them.
Diseases
Fusarium Wilt: Fusarium wilt is a fungal disease that affects the roots of pea plants, causing them to wilt and die. The disease is most common in warm and humid conditions. Crop rotation is the best way to manage the disease. Avoid planting peas in the same location for at least three years, and ensure that the soil is well-drained and not too moist.
Mycosphaerella blight: Mycosphaerella blight is a fungal disease that affects the leaves of pea plants, causing yellow spots that eventually turn into brown lesions. The disease spreads quickly, and infected leaves should be removed to prevent further spread. Fungicides can also be used to control the spread of the disease.
Ascochyta Blight: Ascochyta blight is a fungal disease that affects the leaves, stems, and pods of pea plants. Symptoms include small brown spots on leaves, which can enlarge and cause tissue damage. Copper-based fungicides are effective in controlling the disease.
Pests
Aphids: Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that feed on the sap of pea plants, causing stunted growth and distorted leaves. Insecticidal soap or neem oil can be used to control aphids. Ladybugs and lacewings are also natural predators that can be used to control aphid populations.
Cutworms: Cutworms are the larvae of certain types of moths that feed on the stems of young pea plants, causing them to wither and die. Bt insecticides are effective in controlling cutworms, as are physical barriers such as row covers.
Pea Weevils: Pea weevils are beetles that lay their eggs on the pea plant, and the larvae feed on the roots of the plant, causing stunted growth and yield loss. Crop rotation is the most effective way to manage pea weevils. If an infestation occurs, removing and destroying infected plants can also help to control the spread of the pest.
