Diseases in Purple Hull Peas

Mildews

• Powdery mildew is a fungal disease caused by the pathogen Erysiphe pisi. This disfiguring disease typically attacks leaves, developing white, fluffy spots; however, powdery mildew also forms brownish spots on pea pods. Powdery mildew results in curling and twisting of the plant's foliage. Using disease-resistant species and planting in full sun helps prevent this fungal disease. Downy mildew is a fungal disease caused by the Peronospora viciae pathogen. Symptoms include erratically shaped yellow to brown lesions on upper regions of the foliage and fuzzy grayish-white spots on the underside. The lesions spread to neighboring pods, causing undergrowth and sunken brown spots to form. Control of this disease starts by using varieties tolerant to downy mildew and rotating pea crops.

Blights

• Bacterial blight generated by the pathogen Pseudomonas syringae pv. Phaseoli results from the immediate planting of peas in the same location of a bean crop infected with bean bacterial brown spot. Water-soaked oval spots are the first indication of the disease, which spreads to pods and eventually causes the plant to dry out. Using disease-resistant cultivars helps to prevent this detrimental disease. Purple blight is a disease introduced by manganese toxicity, which occurs when manganese comes into contact with acidic soil. Jagged rust-colored blotches appear on edges of leaves and evolve inward as this disease progresses, stunting and shriveling leaves. Raising the soil's pH by applying lime helps to prevent purple blight.

Root Rots

• Aphanomyces root rot is a fungal disease precipitated by the pathogen Aphanomyces euteiches. This moisture-loving disease forms on the lower stems and roots of pea plants working its way along the root system. Symptoms include weak, stunted plants that wilt and ultimately die. Practicing crop rotation and planting in well-draining soils aid in preventing this deadly disease. Fusarium root rot is a fugal disease introduced by Fusarium solani, a soil born pathogen. Narrow brown lesions develop along the side roots and seed piece attachments, attacking the plant's tissue. Control fusarium root rot by using tolerant pea species and rotating crops.

Viruses

• Enation mosaic is a viral disease spread by aphids. This damaging disease starts as blister formations along the underside of foliage and pea pods. Pods become malformed and emaciated. Stunt is a viral disease cause by red clover vein-mosaic virus facilitated by aphids. Signs consist of underdeveloped leaves with deformed foliage and small pea pods. Early plant death typically occurs. Planting disease-resistant cultivars like Pinkeye Purple Hull-BVR along with the application of insecticides to control aphid populations aids in the prevention of these viral diseases.