Black Ants on Black Eyed Pea Plants

Description

• Black-eyed peas are legumes that grow on upright branches 2 to 3 feet high. The 3-inch long pea pods grow above the leaf axel and contain 6 to 13 peas per pod. The plant germinates rapidly in soil temperatures above 65 F, and it is drought and humidity tolerant, which makes it a good choice for growing in the South. Black-eyed pea plants do not grow well in excessively wet soil conditions. Ensure that soil has good drainage. Because legume plants fix their own nitrogen in the soil, the plants do not require additional nitrogen fertilizer, according to the Purdue University website.

Black Ants

• Growers often find black ants on black-eyed pea plants due to the presence of extrafloral nectary glands that produce a sweet substance that ants love. The ants generally do not hurt the plants. This substance also attracts bees and wasps to plants which helps to pollinate them. Aphid infestations will also bring ants to your plants. Ants feed on the "honeydew" that aphids produce from sucking the plant juices. Remove the aphids with a high-pressure spray of water, and it will reduce the ant population as well.

Black-Eyed Pea Pests

• Black-eyed pea plants may suffer problems with a number of insects, such as beet armyworms, loopers, grasshoppers and stinkbugs, according to Texas A&M University writer Tim W. McAlavy. These pests can disfigure plants and affect the quality of fruit. The introduction of natural predators such as minute pirate bugs, ladybugs and lacewings help to limit the population of these plant pests. Chemical controls do not always work on these insects unless selected carefully and applied at the recommended times. Consult your local agricultural extension service for the best pesticides in your area.

Growing

• Cowpeas, or black-eyed peas, grow well when planted 2 inches apart in rows placed 3 to 4 feet apart. They do not require much maintenance and can withstand dry conditions without additional irrigation. Harvesting is generally in 50 to 55 days. When growing peas for drying, leave on the vine for 65 to 75 days.