Origin
Pisum sativum L. var. abyssinicum (A.Br.) Alef., commonly known as Ethiopian pea, is a subspecies of Pisum sativum. It is native to Ethiopia, but it is also cultivated in other African countries as well as Asia and Europe.
Common Names
Ethiopian pea is also known as Abyssinian pea, blue pea, and African field pea. In Ethiopia, it is called wollo, neger, kunde, or bura.
Uses
Ethiopian pea has several uses. As a food crop, it is an important source of protein, carbohydrates, and fiber for people in Ethiopia and other African countries. Its seeds are used in various dishes, including stews, soups, and salads. In addition, the plant is used as a cover crop and livestock feed. It is also known for its ability to fix nitrogen in the soil, making it an important crop for sustainable agriculture.
General Appearance
Ethiopian pea is an annual plant that grows up to 1 meter tall. It has a slender stem that is covered in fine hairs. The leaves are pinnate with 2 to 4 pairs of leaflets that are oval-shaped and pointed at the tip. The flowers are blue, purple, or white and are borne in clusters at the end of the stem. The fruit is a pod that contains several small, round seeds.
Light Requirements
Pisum sativum L. var. abyssinicum (A.Br.) Alef. requires full sunlight to grow well. The plant needs about six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily to produce healthy and robust plants. Insufficient sunlight may cause weak stems and leaves, leading to stunted growth.
Temperature Requirements
The plant thrives in cool temperatures and can withstand frost. Pisum sativum L. var. abyssinicum (A.Br.) Alef. requires temperatures between 10°C and 20°C for germination and vegetative growth. Once the plants start to flower, they can tolerate slightly warmer temperatures of up to 24°C. However, exposure to temperatures above 30°C may cause the plants to wilt and fail to produce mature seeds.
Soil Requirements
The plant prefers well-drained soils that are rich in organic matter. The ideal soil pH range should be between 6.0 to 7.5. Pisum sativum L. var. abyssinicum (A.Br.) Alef. grows well in loamy soils with moderate fertility. The soil should have sufficient moisture to support seed germination, but the presence of excess water should be avoided as this may lead to root rot and other diseases.
Cultivation Methods for Pisum sativum L. var. abyssinicum (A.Br.) Alef.
Pisum sativum L. var. abyssinicum (A.Br.) Alef., commonly known as Abyssinian peas, is a variety of pea plant that originated in Ethiopia. It is a warm-weather crop that requires mild temperatures to grow. The plant is relatively easy to grow, and the following are some of the cultivation methods:
- Choose a site with well-drained soil that receives full sunlight.
- Prepare the soil by removing weeds and other debris and adding organic matter such as compost.
- Plant the seeds about 2 inches deep and 2-3 inches apart in rows spaced 18-24 inches apart.
- Provide support for the plants by installing trellises or stakes.
- Water the plants regularly, especially during hot weather.
- Harvest the pods when they are full and plump, but before they become dry and tough.
Watering Needs for Pisum sativum L. var. abyssinicum (A.Br.) Alef.
Pisum sativum L. var. abyssinicum (A.Br.) Alef. needs regular watering to ensure that the soil remains moist but not waterlogged. The plants require consistent, even moisture to thrive and produce good-quality crops.
- Water the plants deeply once a week during the growing season.
- Adjust the watering schedule during hot, dry weather to prevent wilting.
- Avoid watering from overhead, which can promote the development of fungal diseases.
- Use a soaker hose or drip irrigation system to provide water directly to the soil.
- Monitor the soil moisture regularly and adjust the watering schedule as needed.
Fertilization for Pisum sativum L. var. abyssinicum (A.Br.) Alef.
Fertilization is necessary for Pisum sativum L. var. abyssinicum (A.Br.) Alef. to ensure that the plants receive the necessary nutrients to grow and produce a good crop. The following are some tips for fertilizing abyssinian peas:
- Apply a balanced fertilizer such as 10-10-10 or 20-20-20 before planting.
- Side-dress the plants with fertilizer when they are 6-8 inches tall.
- Use a fertilizer with a higher phosphorus content to encourage root growth and flower development.
- Avoid over-fertilizing, which can lead to excessive growth and poor yields.
- Monitor the plants for signs of nutrient deficiencies, such as yellowing leaves or stunted growth.
Pruning for Pisum sativum L. var. abyssinicum (A.Br.) Alef.
Pruning is not necessary for Pisum sativum L. var. abyssinicum (A.Br.) Alef. However, removing some of the lateral branches and tendrils can help to improve airflow and reduce the risk of fungal diseases. The following are some tips for pruning abyssinian peas:
- Pinch off the lateral branches and tendrils using your fingers or pruning shears.
- Leave the main stem and the top one or two tendrils intact.
- Prune the plants when they are young to prevent them from becoming too bushy.
- Dispose of pruned branches and tendrils away from the plants to prevent the spread of disease.
- Monitor the plants for signs of disease or insect damage and take appropriate action if necessary.
Propagation of Pisum sativum L. var. abyssinicum (A.Br.) Alef.
Pisum sativum L. var. abyssinicum (A.Br.) Alef., commonly known as Abyssinian pea or Ethiopian pea, is an annual leguminous plant that is widely cultivated for its edible seeds, pods, and young shoots. It can be propagated through different methods, including:
Seed Propagation
The most common way to propagate Pisum sativum L. var. abyssinicum (A.Br.) Alef. is by seed. Seeds should be planted in well-draining soil at a depth of 1 inch and spaced about 2 to 3 inches apart. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged. Germination usually occurs within 7 to 14 days, depending on the temperature and moisture conditions.
Cuttings Propagation
Pisum sativum L. var. abyssinicum (A.Br.) Alef. can also be propagated by taking stem cuttings. The cuttings should be taken from a healthy mature plant and should be about 6 to 8 inches long. Remove the lower leaves and plant the cutting in a well-draining soil mixture. The soil should be kept moist and the cutting should be kept in a shaded area until new growth appears.
Division Propagation
Division propagation is another method of propagating Pisum sativum L. var. abyssinicum (A.Br.) Alef.. The plant is dug up and divided into several sections with a sharp knife or spade. Each section should have a healthy stem and root system. Replant the divided sections in well-draining soil and keep the soil moist until new growth appears.
Disease and Pest Management for Pisum sativum L. var. abyssinicum (A.Br.) Alef.
Pisum sativum L. var. abyssinicum (A.Br.) Alef., commonly known as Ethiopian pea, is cultivated for its edible seeds and pods. This plant is susceptible to diseases and pests, which can reduce crop yields. Therefore, it is essential to implement disease and pest management strategies to minimize plant damage and increase plant productivity.
Common Diseases Affecting Pisum sativum L. var. abyssinicum
Some of the common diseases affecting Pisum sativum L. var. abyssinicum include:
1. Powdery Mildew:
Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that affects the leaves, stems, and pods of Pisum sativum. It appears as a white powdery coating on the affected plant parts, causing them to wither and die. The disease spreads rapidly in warm and humid weather conditions. To manage powdery mildew, it is essential to remove infected plant parts immediately and apply a fungicide to the plants as recommended by an agricultural expert.
2. Fusarium Wilt:
Fusarium wilt is a fungal disease caused by Fusarium oxysporum. It affects the roots of Pisum sativum plants, leading to stunted growth and yellowing of leaves. The fungus enters the plant through the roots and travels through the xylem, blocking the water vessels. To manage Fusarium wilt, it is essential to practice crop rotation, remove infected plants, and use disease-resistant cultivars. Additionally, applying a fungicide to the soil can help reduce the spread of the disease.
3. Root Rot:
Root rot is a disease caused by several fungal pathogens. It affects the roots of Pisum sativum plants, causing them to rot and eventually die. The disease spreads rapidly in waterlogged soils. To manage root rot, it is essential to avoid waterlogging the soil, practice crop rotation, and remove infected plants immediately. Applying a fungicide to the soil can also help control the spread of the disease.
Common Pests Affecting Pisum sativum L. var. abyssinicum
Some of the common pests affecting Pisum sativum L. var. abyssinicum include:
1. Aphids:
Aphids are small insects that feed on sap from the leaves and stems of Pisum sativum plants. They appear as small green or black insects that cluster on the affected plant parts, causing the leaves to curl and turn yellow. To manage aphids, it is essential to remove them manually or apply an insecticide as recommended by an agricultural expert.
2. Thrips:
Thrips are tiny insects that feed on the leaves of Pisum sativum plants, causing them to curl and appear distorted. They also transmit viruses that can cause more severe damage to the plants. To manage thrips, it is essential to apply an insecticide or use yellow sticky traps to catch them.
3. Cutworms:
Cutworms are larvae of several moth species. They feed on the stems of Pisum sativum plants, cutting them off at the base. The damage can be severe, leading to plant death. To manage cutworms, it is essential to remove them manually or apply an insecticide as recommended by an agricultural expert.
Conclusion
Pisum sativum L. var. abyssinicum is susceptible to diseases and pests that can reduce crop yields. Implementing disease and pest management strategies can significantly reduce plant damage and increase plant productivity. Therefore, it is essential to identify the symptoms of diseases and pests affecting Pisum sativum plants and use appropriate management methods to control them.
