Southern Pea Blight: A Guide for Young Farmers
Introduction
Southern peas, also known as black-eyed peas or cowpeas, are a popular crop in warm climates. They are relatively easy to grow and can thrive in areas with low fertility and hot summers. However, like all crops, southern peas can be affected by various diseases, including several types of blight.
What is Southern Pea Blight?
Southern pea blight is a common fungal disease that affects southern peas. It is caused by a soilborne fungus that develops quickly in moist, hot conditions, especially when temperatures exceed 85 degrees Fahrenheit (29 degrees Celsius). The fungus can survive in plant debris from previous seasons, so it is important to clean up your garden thoroughly before planting new southern peas.
Symptoms of Southern Pea Blight
The symptoms of southern pea blight can vary depending on the stage of the disease. Early on, you may notice white growth around the base of plants. As the disease progresses, the fungus produces tiny, seed-like structures called sclerotia, which start out white and turn black as they mature. The fungus can also cause defoliation (leaf drop) and pod damage. In severe cases, it can kill the entire plant.
Other Blights of Southern Peas
In addition to southern pea blight, there are several other types of blight that can affect southern peas. These include:
- Bacterial blight: This disease is caused by bacteria and typically occurs during warm, wet weather. Symptoms include tan, irregular spots on leaves, pods, and stems, which turn dark brown as the disease progresses.
- Halo blight: This bacterial disease causes greenish-yellow circles with a dark lesion at the center to form on leaves. Stem lesions appear as reddish streaks that eventually spread into one large dark spot, killing the leaf.
- Ashy stem blight: This fungal disease kills plants quickly. It causes gray growth flecked with black to develop on the lower stem, particularly during periods of plant moisture stress.
- Pod blight: This fungal disease causes water-soaked lesions to form on stems and pods. Fuzzy fungal growth may also be present at the pod petiole (the point where the pod attaches to the stem).
Preventing and Controlling Southern Pea Blight
The best way to prevent and control southern pea blight is to practice good cultural practices. These include:
- Crop rotation: Avoid planting southern peas in the same location year after year. This helps to reduce the buildup of disease-causing organisms in the soil.
- Clean planting areas: Remove all plant debris from previous seasons before planting new southern peas. This helps to eliminate potential sources of infection.
- Avoid overhead watering: Overhead watering can splash disease-causing spores onto leaves, increasing the risk of infection. Water at the base of plants instead.
- Use resistant varieties: Some varieties of southern peas are resistant to blight. Planting these varieties can help to reduce the risk of infection.
- Apply fungicide: In some cases, it may be necessary to apply a fungicide to control southern pea blight. However, fungicides should only be used as a last resort, as they can be harmful to beneficial insects and the environment.
Conclusion
Southern pea blight is a common disease that can affect southern peas. By practicing good cultural practices and using resistant varieties, you can help to reduce the risk of infection and protect your crop.
