Origin and Common Names
Pisum sativum L. subsp. abyssinicum (A.Br.) Govorov, commonly known as the Abyssinian pea or Ethiopian pea, is a subspecies of the common pea plant. It belongs to the Fabaceae family and is native to Ethiopia and neighboring countries in East Africa.
General Appearance
The Abyssinian pea plant is an annual herbaceous plant that grows to an average height of 30-100 cm. It has a slender stem, which is green in color and covered with fine hairs. The leaves are pinnate with two to three pairs of leaflets and a terminal tendril. The flowers are white or pale pink in color, depending on the variety, and are produced in clusters of two to three. The fruit is an edible pod that contains small, round, green seeds.
Uses
The Abyssinian pea plant is highly valued for its culinary and nutritional properties. The edible pods and seeds are rich in proteins, carbohydrates, and essential vitamins and minerals. In Ethiopia, the plant is used as a staple food crop and is often cooked in stews and soups. The young pods can be eaten raw or cooked, while the mature seeds are dried and milled to produce flour for making traditional bread and porridge. The plant is also used as a green manure crop to improve soil fertility and prevent soil erosion.
Light Requirements
The Pisum sativum L. subsp. abyssinicum (A.Br.) Govorov plant typically requires full sun exposure for optimum growth and development. It can also tolerate partial shade, but the yield may be lower than those grown in full sun conditions. Therefore, it is recommended to grow the plant in an open space with direct sunlight exposure, especially during the flowering and pod filling stage.
Temperature Requirements
The plant grows best in a temperature range of 18°C-22°C. Temperatures above 25°C can cause heat stress leading to early flowering and smaller pea pods. Temperatures lower than 15°C can also result in growth delays and reduced yields. In areas where the temperature is expected to exceed 25°C, it is critical to ensure that adequate irrigation is provided to keep the soil moist and reduce heat stress.
Soil Requirements
The Pisum sativum L. subsp. abyssinicum (A.Br.) Govorov plant prefers to grow in well-drained, fertile soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. The soil should be rich in organic matter and nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. It is recommended to add compost or well-rotted manure before planting to improve the soil's fertility. The plant will not grow well in heavy clay soil because it can become waterlogged, leading to root rot and reduced yields.
Cultivation methods
Pisum sativum L. subsp. abyssinicum (A.Br.) Govorov is a cool-season crop that grows best in spring and fall. It is adaptable to different soil types but thrives in well-draining, fertile soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. The plant prefers full sun exposure but can tolerate partial shade.
The seeds of Pisum sativum L. subsp. abyssinicum (A.Br.) Govorov can be sown directly into the garden bed or started indoors and later transplanted. The seeds should be planted at a depth of 1 to 2 inches and spaced 2 to 3 inches apart. The plant requires regular watering to maintain soil moisture and promote growth.
Watering needs
The watering needs of Pisum sativum L. subsp. abyssinicum (A.Br.) Govorov depend on the weather conditions and the stage of growth. The plant requires consistent moisture but not waterlogged soil. The best approach is to water the plant deeply once or twice a week, depending on the rainfall and soil type.
It is essential to avoid overhead irrigation or watering the leaves and flowers as it can increase the risk of disease and fungal infections. Instead, water the plant at the base using a soaker hose or drip irrigation system.
Fertilization
Pisum sativum L. subsp. abyssinicum (A.Br.) Govorov requires regular fertilization, especially during the growing season. The plant benefits from a balanced fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
The best approach is to apply a slow-release granular fertilizer at the base of the plant during planting or early in the growing season and then supplement with liquid fertilizers or foliar spray every two to three weeks. However, it is essential to avoid excessive use of fertilizers as it can lead to overgrowth, reduced yields, and damage to the environment.
Pruning
Pisum sativum L. subsp. abyssinicum (A.Br.) Govorov typically does not require pruning, but it benefits from regular harvesting of the pods to promote continuous production. It is crucial to avoid harvesting all the pods at once to allow the plant to produce more flowers and fruits.
However, it is recommended to remove any dead or damaged leaves, flowers, or pods to prevent the spread of disease and increase air circulation. Additionally, it is advisable to provide support for the plant using trellises or stakes as it can improve air circulation and light penetration, reducing the risk of disease and promoting growth.
Propagation of Pisum sativum L. subsp. abyssinicum (A.Br.) Govorov
Pisum sativum L. subsp. abyssinicum (A.Br.) Govorov, commonly known as Ethiopian pea, is a cool-season legume crop that is widely cultivated for its edible seeds. Propagation of Pisum sativum L. subsp. abyssinicum (A.Br.) Govorov can be done through several methods, including:
Seed Propagation
Seed propagation is the easiest and most common method for propagating Pisum sativum L. subsp. abyssinicum (A.Br.) Govorov. Seeds should be sown in well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. The ideal soil temperature for germination is between 10°C and 25°C. Seeds should be sown at a depth of 2 to 4 cm and spaced about 5 to 10 cm apart. Germination typically occurs within 7 to 14 days, depending on the temperature.
Clonal Propagation
Clonal propagation is another method of propagating Pisum sativum L. subsp. abyssinicum (A.Br.) Govorov. This involves taking cuttings from a healthy mother plant and rooting them to produce new plants. To do this, take cuttings of about 10 to 15 cm in length that have at least two nodes. Remove the leaves from the bottom node and dip the cut end in a rooting hormone. Plant the cuttings in a pot with sterile soil mix and keep them in a warm and humid environment until they root.
Division Propagation
Division propagation involves dividing the root system of an established Pisum sativum L. subsp. abyssinicum (A.Br.) Govorov plant into multiple sections and replanting them to produce new plants. This method is often used for older plants that have become too large and need to be divided to maintain their health. To do this, carefully dig up the plant and separate the root system into sections, making sure that each section has enough roots and shoots to survive on its own. Replant each new section in its own planting hole at the same depth as the original plant.
Disease Management
One of the common diseases that can affect Pisum sativum L. subsp. abyssinicum is powdery mildew. This fungal disease appears as a white, powdery substance on the leaves, stem, and flowers of the plant. To manage this disease, it is advised to plant the seeds in a well-draining soil, water the plants at the base, and remove affected leaves as soon as they are identified.
Another disease that may afflict Pisum sativum L. subsp. abyssinicum is the Fusarium wilt disease. This disease is caused by the fungus Fusarium oxysporum, which attacks the plant's roots and impedes its ability to absorb nutrients and water from the soil. To manage this disease, it is advisable to plant resistant plant varieties, maintain proper soil drainage, practice proper crop rotation, and avoid overwatering the plants.
Pest Management
One of the common pests that can cause damage to Pisum sativum L. subsp. abyssinicum is the pea weevil. These small, brownish-black beetles lay their eggs on the seeds or in the soil next to the plant. The larvae of the pea weevil feed on the seeds, causing significant damage to the plant. To manage this pest, it is imperative to practice crop rotation, plant certified seeds, and store seeds in airtight containers.
Another pest that may pose a threat to Pisum sativum L. subsp. abyssinicum is the aphid. These small, soft-bodied insects consume the plant's sap, causing the leaves to curl and wilt. Aphids can also transmit viruses to the plant. To manage this pest, it is advisable to use insecticidal soaps or oils, introduce natural predators to the environment, and maintain proper soil moisture levels.
It is essential to monitor Pisum sativum L. subsp. abyssinicum frequently for any signs of disease or pest infestation to prevent significant losses in yield or quality. By employing appropriate disease and pest management strategies, gardeners and farmers can optimize plant growth and ultimately achieve successful crop production.
