Pisum arvense and Lathyrus hirsutus

Root Knot Nematodes (nematode – Meloidogyne spp.): Root knot nematodes develop most rapidly when soils are warm, producing galls on the root system. Since these crops grow during the cool season, little reduction in plant growth generally occurs.

Anthracnose (fungus – Colletotrichum pisi): Small circular to irregular shaped spots are formed on leaf and pod tissue. See conditions for development and control procedures listed under scab.

Dodder (parasitic plant – Cuscuta spp.): This parasitic plant is pale yellow in color and wraps itself around the host plant.

Scab – (fungus – Cladosporium herbarum): Black spots form on pods, stems and leaves. It usually is more severe where these crops are continuously cropped in the same field. Rotate with crops such as wheat, oats, or barley. No fungicides are approved for use on these crops.

Powdery Mildew (fungus – Erysiphe polygoni): A white, powdery growth forms on leaf surfaces. Affected leaves turn brown and shed from the plant. The problem is usually more severe under cool, dry conditions. No fungicides are cleared for use. Seed producers might want to investigate chemical control possibilities if the hay is not going to be used for livestock feed.

Seedling Disease (fungi – Rhizoctonia solani, Pythium spp., Fusarium spp., and others): Seedling disease or damping-off is caused by soil organisms that are predominately fungal in nature. When they are present in high populations and conditions are especially favorable for their development, severe stand losses can occur. If the problem occurs consistently, a producer should consider using a suitable seed treatment fungicide.