Symptoms and treatment of diseases affecting the pea crop

pea crop

Krishi Dunia

• 17 Nov, 2024 11:30 AM IST ,
• Updated Sun, 17 Nov 2024 12:30 PM

Peas are a vital winter crop in India, known for their short cultivation period, profitability, and ability to improve soil fertility. Consumed as vegetables and pulses, peas are highly significant for farmers. However, diseases such as Root Rot and Fusarium Wilt threaten this crop. Below, we explore these diseases, their symptoms, causes, and management strategies to help farmers safeguard their harvest.

Major Diseases in Pea Crops and Their Symptoms:

1. Fusarium Wilt: Caused by the pathogen Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. pisi, this disease persists in the soil for years, causing severe damage to pea crops.
Symptoms:

• Yellowing of lower leaves.
• Vascular browning in stems.
• Gradual wilting, ultimately leading to plant death.

2. Root Rot: This disease is caused by pathogens such as Rhizoctonia solani, Pythium spp., and occasionally Sclerotium rolfsii. It thrives in poorly drained and moist soils.
Symptoms:

• Reddish-brown lesions on roots.
• Root decay and stunted growth.
• Weak plants with reduced flowering.

Key Factors Contributing to These Diseases:

1. Soil Conditions:
   • Excess moisture and poor drainage create favorable conditions for pathogens.
2. Temperature:
   • Fusarium Wilt thrives in warm temperatures (25–30°C).
   • Root Rot spreads rapidly in cool, wet conditions.
3. Lack of Crop Rotation:
   • Continuous cultivation of peas increases pathogen buildup.
4. Weeds and Plant Residues:
   • Infected plant debris serves as a source of inoculum for diseases.

Disease Management Strategies:

1. Crop Rotation:
   • Avoid growing peas continuously. Rotate with non-host crops like wheat or barley.
2. Soil Solarization:
   • Use transparent polythene sheets during summer to reduce soil-borne pathogens.
3. Field Hygiene:
   • Remove and burn infected plant debris to prevent pathogen spread.
4. Drainage Management:
   • Ensure well-drained soil to reduce waterlogging.
5. Use Resistant Varieties:
   • Opt for resistant pea varieties, such as Arkel, to minimize the risk of Fusarium Wilt.

Biological Control Methods:

1. Use of Antagonistic Fungi and Bacteria:
   • Treat seeds with biocontrol agents such as Trichoderma harzianum, Pseudomonas fluorescens, and Bacillus subtilis.
   • Apply these agents to the soil to reduce disease incidence.
2. Endophytes:
   • Growth-promoting endophytes like non-pathogenic Fusarium oxysporum combat soil-borne pathogens effectively.

Additional Tips for Disease Prevention

• Regularly inspect crops for early signs of disease.
• Use organic manure and compost to enhance soil health.
• Irrigate with clean water to prevent contamination.

Conclusion: Root Rot and Fusarium Wilt are serious threats to pea cultivation. Recognizing symptoms early and adopting timely management practices are crucial to ensuring a healthy crop. A combination of traditional methods and biological control strategies can significantly reduce disease impact. With proper care and proactive measures, farmers can protect their pea crops, achieving better yield and quality.