Cultivation of Peas (Pisum sativum)

Origin, Area, and Distribution:

Origin:

• • Peas (Pisum sativum) are believed to have originated in Southwest Asia or the Mediterranean region, with evidence of their cultivation going back about 3000-4000 years. The species is believed to have evolved in areas with cool temperatures and moderate rainfall.

Area of Cultivation:

• • Peas are cultivated worldwide, particularly in regions with cool climates. They are grown extensively in Europe, Asia, and North America. In India, peas are grown in states like Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, Punjab, and Jammu & Kashmir. They are grown mainly as a rabi (winter) season crop.

Global Distribution:

• • Major pea-producing countries include China, India, Russia, Canada, and United States. In India, peas are grown extensively in the states of Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, and Haryana.

Climate:

• Temperature: Peas are a cool-season crop and require temperatures between 13°C and 18°C for optimal growth. Extreme heat (>30°C) or frost (<0°C) can negatively affect the crop.
• Rainfall: Peas require moderate rainfall, approximately 50-100 cm/year, but they do not tolerate waterlogging. Peas are sensitive to water stress during flowering and pod formation, leading to poor yields.
• Ideal Growing Conditions: Peas thrive under long daylight hours for better pod filling, though they are relatively day-neutral and can be grown in varied daylengths, depending on the variety.
• Frost Sensitivity: Peas are susceptible to frost, especially during the flowering and pod-filling stages, so they should be sown after the danger of frost has passed.

Soil:

• Soil Type: Peas prefer well-drained loamy soils, though they can grow in sandy soils as well. Clayey or heavy soils that retain excess water are not suitable.
• Soil pH: Peas grow best in slightly acidic to neutral soils with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. Soils with a higher or lower pH may hinder nutrient uptake and affect the crop’s growth.
• Soil Preparation: Well-decomposed organic matter, like FYM (Farmyard Manure) or compost, is essential for improving soil structure and fertility. It also helps retain moisture and provides essential micronutrients for the peas.

Improved Varieties:

Early Varieties (Mature in 60-90 days):

• • Arkel: Known for its high yield and resistance to disease.
  • Pusa Early: Adapted to early sowing, high-quality pods.

Late Varieties (Mature in 90-120 days):

• • Pusa Pragati: A high-yielding variety with resistance to diseases and pests.
  • Azad Pea-1: Known for high-quality seeds and larger pod sizes.

Hybrid Varieties:

• • Pusa Sugandh: Hybrid variety offering higher yield and pest resistance.

Pod Type:

• • Smooth-seeded peas have good resistance to diseases and are suitable for storage.
  • Wrinkled-seeded peas are less resistant to diseases but have better taste and are suitable for processing.

Cultivation Practices:

Time of Sowing:

• • Rabi season (winter crop): Sown between October and November in the plains and in March-April in the hill regions.
  • In tropical climates: Sown post-monsoon, usually from September to October.
  • Ideal Temperature for Germination: Peas require a soil temperature of 10°C to 15°C for germination.

Seed Rate:

• • For Regular Varieties: Typically 80-100 kg/ha.
  • For Dwarf Varieties: Use 60-75 kg/ha.

Spacing:

• • Row-to-Row Distance: 45-60 cm.
  • Plant-to-Plant Distance: 5-10 cm.
  • Dwarf Varieties may have slightly reduced spacing for denser planting.

Transplanting Techniques:

• • Direct Sowing: Peas are generally direct-sown in the field. However, in areas with cold climates or frosty conditions, peas are sometimes raised in nurseries and later transplanted.
  • Transplanting Spacing: Same as direct sowing.

Fertilizer Requirements:

• • Farmyard Manure (FYM): Apply 10-15 tons/ha during soil preparation.
  • Nitrogen: Peas are nitrogen-fixing legumes, so they need minimal nitrogen, approximately 20-25 kg N/ha. Over-application can lead to excessive vegetative growth.
  • Phosphorus (P): Apply 40-60 kg P2O5/ha for root development and early growth.
  • Potassium (K): Apply 20-25 kg K2O/ha to enhance pod development and increase disease resistance.
  • Micronutrients: Adequate amounts of zinc and boron should be applied if deficiencies are observed, especially for better flowering and pod formation.

Irrigation:

• • Watering Requirements: Peas are sensitive to drought, especially during flowering and pod filling. They require adequate moisture in the soil.
  • Critical Stages: Ensure consistent moisture supply during flowering and pod formation.
  • Irrigation Frequency: Irrigate every 7-10 days, but avoid waterlogging.

Weed Management:

• • Pre-emergence Herbicides: Use herbicides such as Pendimethalin or Fluchloralin to control early weeds.
  • Manual Weeding: Weeding should be done at least twice during the growing season — one around 3-4 weeks after sowing and the second before flowering.
  • Mulching: Organic mulches can help control weeds and conserve soil moisture.

Pest and Disease Control:

• • Pests: Common pests include aphids, thrips, and cutworms. Use insecticides as per the recommended schedule.
  • Diseases: Powdery mildew, Downy mildew, Root rot, and Rust are common in peas. Use resistant varieties, proper crop rotation, and fungicides for disease control.

Harvesting:

• • Green peas: Harvest when pods are fully grown but still green and tender. Usually, this happens 60-100 days after sowing, depending on the variety.
  • Dry peas: Harvest when pods turn yellow, and seeds inside the pods harden. This occurs around 90-120 days.
  • Method: Harvesting can be done manually (hand-picking) or mechanically for larger fields.

Yield:

• • Green Peas: Yield varies between 1.5 to 2.5 tons/ha.
  • Dry Peas: Yield can range from 1.0 to 1.8 tons/ha depending on the variety, climate, and cultivation practices.

Physiological Disorders and Management:

Frost Damage:

• • Symptoms: Pea plants show signs of yellowing, dieback of tips, and poor pod set if exposed to frost.
  • Management: Ensure sowing after the danger of frost. In frost-prone areas, frost protection techniques like using frost covers or low tunnels can help.

Pea Root Rot:

• • Cause: Caused by Fusarium or Pythium fungi, usually due to waterlogging or poor soil drainage.
  • Symptoms: Wilting, yellowing of leaves, and root decay.
  • Management: Ensure well-drained soil, proper irrigation management, and use fungicides as necessary.

Powdery Mildew:

• • Symptoms: White, powdery fungal growth on leaves, reducing photosynthesis and pod development.
  • Management: Use resistant varieties and apply fungicides like Carbendazim or Sulphur.

Chlorosis (Yellowing of Leaves):

• • Cause: Deficiency of iron, nitrogen, or other micronutrients.
  • Symptoms: Yellowing of leaves, poor growth.
  • Management: Apply the necessary nutrients or use foliar sprays for micronutrient deficiencies.

Pea Wilt:

• • Cause: Often caused by Fusarium wilt due to infected seed or soil.
  • Symptoms: Plants show yellowing, wilting, and collapse.
  • Management: Use resistant varieties and crop rotation to break the disease cycle.