Overview: Pisum sativum L. var. humile Poir.
Pisum sativum L. var. humile Poir. is commonly known as dwarf pea, garden pea, or English pea and is a member of the pea family Fabaceae. It is an annual plant that is widely cultivated for its edible, round, green seeds, which are popularly consumed in various cuisines worldwide. This plant has gained immense popularity for its rich nutritional value and health benefits, making it a staple during winter and spring seasons.
Origin
The origin of Pisum sativum L. var. humile Poir. can be traced back to the Mediterranean and Near East regions, where it has been cultivated for thousands of years. Today, it is grown in many parts of the world, mainly in temperate climates such as Europe, North America, and Asia.
Appearance
The Dwarf pea plant has a bushy, erect habit, and can grow up to 60 cm in height. The leaves are green, composed of 2-3 leaflets, and arranged in an alternate fashion along the stem. The plant produces white, pink, or purple flowers, which develop into long, narrow pods containing several peas. The peas are round or elliptical, and their size and color vary depending on the variety. They can be green, yellow, or purple, and range in size from 4-10 mm in diameter.
Uses
Pisum sativum L. var. humile Poir. is widely used as a food crop, and its peas are consumed both fresh and dried. They can be eaten raw, boiled, steamed, or fried and are a popular ingredient in soups, stews, and salads. Peas are also a rich source of carbohydrates, dietary fiber, protein, and essential vitamins and minerals, making them a nutritious addition to any diet. Additionally, this plant is used as a cover crop to improve soil health and prevent erosion. It is also utilized in animal feed and as a green manure for crop rotation.
Light Requirements
Pisum sativum L. var. humile Poir. requires full sun exposure for optimal growth and development. The plant cannot thrive in shade, and thus, it is essential to provide maximum sunlight to the crop by planting it in an open area where it can receive at least six hours of direct sunlight each day.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for growing Pisum sativum L. var. humile Poir. is between 10°C to 27°C. The plant can tolerate cool weather, and in fact, it can even stop growing in hot temperatures. The plant will prefer cooler temperatures during the early growth stages, but when it starts producing pods, it requires warmer temperatures to aid in the development of pods.
Soil Requirements
The soil required for growing Pisum sativum L. var. humile Poir. should be fertile, well-drained, and rich in organic matter. The plant thrives in slightly acidic soils, with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. The soil should be prepared by adding organic matter and well-rotted compost to increase its fertility. Additionally, it should be free of rocks to allow for proper root development.
Cultivation methods for Pisum sativum L. var. humile Poir.
Pisum sativum L. var. humile Poir. is commonly known as dwarf pea, garden pea, or English pea. This plant prefers cooler temperatures and grows well in soil with a pH of 6 to 7.5. It requires full sun exposure to grow, so choose a spot that gets at least 6 hours of direct sunlight a day.
You can start the plant by sowing the seeds directly into the soil in early spring or late fall. The seeds should be planted 1-2 inches deep, and the distance between the rows should be at least 18 inches. For better germination, soak the seeds in water overnight before sowing.
Watering needs of Pisum sativum L. var. humile Poir.
Pisum sativum L. var. humile Poir. needs regular watering to maintain moisture content in the soil. Water the plant deeply once or twice a week, depending on the weather conditions. Ensure that the soil is moist, but not waterlogged. If the soil is too dry, it may cause the plant to wilt, and if the soil is too wet, it may lead to root rot.
Fertilization for Pisum sativum L. var. humile Poir.
Pisum sativum L. var. humile Poir. requires good nutrition to grow and produce healthy pea pods. It needs regular fertilization with a balanced fertilizer, rich in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Apply the fertilizer once a month during the growing season, following the package instructions on the amount to be used per plant.
Pruning of Pisum sativum L. var. humile Poir.
Pisum sativum L. var. humile Poir. does not require extensive pruning. However, it is recommended to pinch off the growing tips of the plant when it reaches a height of 4-6 inches, which will encourage bushy growth and a more abundant harvest. You can also remove any diseased or damaged leaves to prevent the spread of disease.
Propagation of Pisum sativum L. var. humile Poir.
Pisum sativum L. var. humile Poir., commonly known as dwarf pea or garden pea, can be efficiently propagated through seeds. However, it can also be propagated through cuttings or tissue culture techniques.
Seed propagation
Propagation by seeds is the most common method for Pisum sativum L. var. humile Poir. Seeds should be sown in well-drained soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5 and kept moist until germination, which occurs within 7-10 days at a temperature range of 15-30°C.
These plants can tolerate low temperatures and can be sown in the early spring, making them a great early-season crop. Garden pea seeds are also cheap and easily accessible.
Cutting propagation
Propagation through cuttings can be done by taking cuttings from the mature stems of the plant. These cuttings should have at least two leaves and one node.
The cuttings are then planted in well-drained soil and kept in a warm and humid environment until roots and new shoots develop. This method of propagation can be used to produce more identical plants without relying on seeds.
Tissue culture propagation
Propagation through tissue culture involves taking small explants from the plant and growing them in aseptic conditions on nutrient media.
This method can be used to produce large numbers of identical plants with desirable traits like disease resistance or early maturity. However, tissue culture propagation is a complex process that requires specialized equipment and knowledge.
Disease Management for Pisum sativum L. var. humile Poir.
Pisum sativum L. var. humile Poir., commonly known as the dwarf pea plant, is susceptible to various plant diseases. The plant's disease management strategy requires preventive and curative measures that involve sanitation practices, cultural practices, and the use of chemical treatments.
One of the most common diseases that affect Pisum sativum L. var. humile Poir. is powdery mildew. This fungal disease causes a white powdery coating on the leaves, stems, and flowers of the plant. To control powdery mildew, you can remove and destroy infected plant parts, practice regular irrigation, apply fungicides, and maintain good air circulation in the growing area.
The pea leaf roll virus is another disease that affects Pisum sativum L. var. humile Poir. The virus causes yellowing and curling of leaves, dwarfing and stunting of plants, and reduced yield. You can manage this disease by uprooting and destroying infected plants, controlling aphid vectors, and using virus-free seeds.
Pest Management for Pisum sativum L. var. humile Poir.
Pests are another challenge that affects Pisum sativum L. var. humile Poir. Like diseases, the plant's pest management strategies require both preventive and curative measures that involve sanitation practices, cultural practices, and the use of chemical treatments.
One of the most common pests affecting Pisum sativum L. var. humile Poir. is the pea weevil. The pea weevil attacks the plant's seeds and causes stunted growth and reduced yields. The most effective way to control this pest is to use pest-resistant seeds, practice crop rotation, and use traps to monitor and control adult weevils.
The pea aphid is another pest that affects Pisum sativum L. var. humile Poir. These tiny sap-sucking insects can cause leaves to curl and yellow, stunted growth, and reduced yields. The most effective way to manage aphids is to use insecticidal soap, practice regular irrigation, and use beneficial insects such as ladybugs.
In conclusion, by practicing good agricultural practices, you can manage the diseases and pests that affect Pisum sativum L. var. humile Poir. To achieve successful results, it is essential to know the specific diseases and pests common to your area and use appropriate management strategies.
