Description of Pisum sativum L. var. arvense (L.) Poir.
Pisum sativum L. var. arvense (L.) Poir., commonly known as field pea, is a member of the Fabaceae family. It is a cool-season legume crop that is widely cultivated around the world for both human consumption and animal feed. The plant is believed to have originated in the Near East and Mediterranean regions and has been introduced to many other regions throughout history.
Appearance
Pisum sativum L. var. arvense (L.) Poir. is an annual plant that grows up to 1 meter tall. The plant has a slender, hollow stem and alternate compound leaves with two to three pairs of leaflets. The leaflets are oval in shape and have a smooth texture with a light green color. The field pea flowers are white, pink, or purple and are arranged in clusters of two to four on short stalks.
The pea pods are oblong and flat, growing up to 10 centimeters long. They enclose several seeds that are edible and nutritious. These seeds vary in color from pale green, yellow, and brown to black and are commonly known as field peas, dry peas, or yellow peas. They are often used for animal feed, but they can also be used for human consumption, especially in soups, stews, and salads.
Uses
Pisum sativum L. var. arvense (L.) Poir. has many uses, both for human consumption and animal feed. The young shoots, leaves, and flowers can be used as a nutritious and tasty addition to salads. The dried seeds are used in soups, stews, and curries and are a significant source of protein, fiber, and carbohydrates. They are also rich in vitamins and minerals, including iron, phosphorus, magnesium, and zinc.
Field peas are also an essential component of animal feed. They are high in protein and are a valuable substitute for soybean meal in dairy, beef, and poultry rations. Additionally, they are often used as a cover crop in agriculture, helping to fix nitrogen in the soil and improve soil health and fertility.
In summary, Pisum sativum L. var. arvense (L.) Poir. is a versatile and valuable plant with many uses. It is an important crop for human consumption and animal feed, and it plays an essential role in sustainable agriculture and soil health maintenance.
Light Requirements
Pisum sativum L. var. arvense (L.) Poir. grows best in full sunlight, but can tolerate partial shade. The plant requires a minimum of six hours of sunlight per day to thrive.
Temperature Requirements
The optimal temperature range for Pisum sativum L. var. arvense (L.) Poir. is between 10°C to 25°C. The seeds can germinate at temperatures as low as 2.5°C, but growth is slowed. Plants can tolerate high temperatures up to 30°C but above that, the plant growth is adversely affected. Winter pea is adapted to cool climates with typical growing seasons between early spring and mid-summer.
Soil Requirements
Pisum sativum L. var. arvense (L.) Poir. prefers well-drained soils with pH ranging from neutral to slightly alkaline (between 6.0 and 7.5). The plant also thrives in fertile soils with good organic matter content. It is adapted to grow in various soil textures from sandy loam to heavy clay, but requires a minimum soil depth of 45 cm as its deeper roots aid water penetration, nutrient uptake, and anchorage
Cultivation methods
Pisum sativum L. var. arvense (L.) Poir., commonly known as field pea, is a cool-season crop that grows best in regions with a temperate climate. It grows well in well-drained soils with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. The plant thrives in full sun exposure, although it can grow in partial shade. You can cultivate field peas by direct seeding or transplanting seedlings.
Watering needs
Field peas require moderate watering, especially during the growing and flowering stage. The plant roots are shallow and can dry out quickly in hot weather. Therefore, water the crop frequently, preferably early in the morning or late in the afternoon when the temperature is cooler. Avoid overwatering the crop as this can lead to waterlogging and root rot.
Fertilization
To achieve maximum yield and quality, it is essential to supply the plant with enough nutrients. Before planting, incorporate organic matter or compost into the soil to improve nutrient retention and aeration. Field peas require nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium for healthy growth. Nitrogen is the most important nutrient for field peas, and it should be applied just before planting or during the vegetative stage. You can apply phosphorus and potassium when planting or during the later growth stages.
Pruning
Pruning field peas can enhance plant growth and yields. When the plant reaches a height of 5 to 6 inches, pinch off the top two inches to encourage branching. Remove any yellow or diseased leaves to prevent the spread of diseases. Regular pruning also promotes air circulation and controls pests and fungi. However, avoid excessive pruning as this can reduce yields.
Propagation of Pisum sativum L. var. arvense (L.) Poir.
Pisum sativum L. var. arvense (L.) Poir. can be propagated through seeds and cuttings.
Propagation through Seeds
The most common method of propagating Pisum sativum L. var. arvense (L.) Poir. is through seeds. The seeds can be sown directly into the ground or in containers. The optimal time for sowing the seeds is in early spring, after the last frost. The seeds should be sown at a depth of 2-3 inches and spaced 2-3 inches apart. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged. The seedlings should emerge within 7-14 days, depending on the temperature and soil moisture.
Propagation through Cuttings
Pisum sativum L. var. arvense (L.) Poir. can also be propagated through cuttings. The cuttings should be taken from healthy, disease-free plants in the spring or early summer. The cuttings should be 3-4 inches long and should have at least 2 nodes. The lower leaves should be removed, and the cutting should be dipped in rooting hormone before being planted in a pot or directly in the ground. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged, and the cutting should be protected from direct sunlight until it has rooted. Rooting should occur within 4-6 weeks.
Disease and Pest Management for Pisum sativum L. var. arvense (L.) Poir.
Pisum sativum L. var. arvense (L.) Poir., commonly known as field pea, is an important legume crop cultivated worldwide for its high nutritional and economic values. However, like any other crop, field peas are susceptible to various pests and diseases that can significantly reduce yield and quality. Effective disease and pest management practices are necessary to ensure optimal crop production.
Common Diseases
Some of the most common diseases that affect field peas include powdery mildew, root rot, Ascochyta blight, and bacterial blight. Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that causes a white powdery coating on the leaves, stems, and pods. It can be managed by planting resistant cultivars, applying fungicides, and practicing good crop hygiene.
Root rot is caused by various fungi and can result in stunted growth, yellowing of leaves, and wilting. Management practices include soil drainage improvement, crop rotation, and seed treatment using fungicides.
Ascochyta blight is another fungal disease that causes small, circular lesions on the leaves and pods, and can eventually cause defoliation. Crop rotation, use of resistant cultivars, and foliar fungicide applications are effective management practices.
Bacterial blight, caused by the bacterium Pseudomonas syringae pv. pisi, can cause brownish water-soaked lesions on the leaves, stems, and pods. Cultural practices such as good irrigation management and use of clean seeds can reduce the risk of infection. Fungicides are not effective against bacterial diseases, but copper-based bactericides can be used to manage bacterial blight.
Common Pests
Field peas can be attacked by various insect pests, including aphids, pea leaf weevils, and pea weevils. Aphids can cause direct damage to the plants by feeding on the sap and transmitting viral diseases. Introducing natural enemies such as ladybugs and lacewings can help manage aphids.
Pea leaf weevils and pea weevils can cause damage to the leaves and flowers, leading to reduced yield. Crop rotation, planting early maturing cultivars, and practicing good sanitation in the fields are some effective ways to manage these pests. Insecticides can also be used if necessary.
Cutworms and wireworms are other common pests that can damage the plants and seeds. Crop rotation, soil preparation practices, and early planting can reduce the risk of infestation.
Overall, disease and pest management for Pisum sativum L. var. arvense (L.) Poir. involves a combination of cultural, biological, and chemical practices depending on the specific pest or disease. Timely detection and action are crucial for effective management and optimal crop yields.