Vicia sativa

Anthracnose (fungus – Colletotrichumspp.): Brown to dark black spots appear on leaves and stems. Defoliation along with stem girdling causes plant death in rank growth. The problem is more severe in wet years. The organism is seed borne and is carried over in crop residue. Avoid planting on poorly drained soil and rotate with unrelated crops.

Root Knot Nematodes (nematode – Meloidogyne spp.): Most vetch varieties are highly susceptible to root knot nematodes. If planted on infested fields some stunting and plant death may result. An increase in the nematode population may also cause severe damage on susceptible crops grown later. Cahaba White is a variety resistant to Meloidogyne incognita but not other root knot species.

Powdery Mildew (fungus – Erysiphe polygoni): Powdery mildew is an occasional problem that occurs during cool, dry periods. Some defoliation may occur in heavy vine growth. No fungicides are cleared for use.