WSU Extension

Hortsense

Pea
 
Disease
Aphanomyces root rot 
Pea wilt 
Powdery mildew 
Root rot 
Seed rot and damping-off 
Virus diseases 
Insect
Brown marmorated stink bug 
Cutworms and armyworms 
Pea aphid 
Pea leaf weevils 
Pea Moth 
Slugs 



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Caption: Powdery mildew on pea
Photo by: R.S. Byther
  
Pea : Powdery mildew
(revision date: 5/7/2015)


Use Integrated Pest Management (IPM) for successful plant problem management.

Biology
Powdery mildew is a fungal disease which attacks the leaves, pods, and stems. Leaves and stems develop discolored spots. The spots later show characteristic white mats of powdery fungal growth which give a bluish cast to the foliage. Small black fruiting bodies of the fungus may be present in the white mats. The infected areas may die on some pea varieties, and some varieties including 'Oregon Sugar Pod' may show brown or black necrotic spots on affected pods. Infection early in the season may result in stunted plants. Powdery mildew may result in reduced yields. Warm days, cool nights, and humid weather favor development of powdery mildew, which is often worse in the fall. The fungus may be carried by infected seed, which is often gray-brown in color. It can also overwinter on infected plant debris.
Management Options


Non-Chemical Management
  • Plant peas early. Spring crops seldom show serious damage. Do not replant fall peas in the same location.
  • Plant resistant varieties such as 'Almoto', 'Aspen', 'Concord', 'Freezer 604', 'Knight', 'Sentry', 'Sounder', 'Super Sugar Melt' (snap pea), and others.
  • Clean up plant debris in the garden. Destroy or discard (do not compost) diseased materials.
Select non-chemical management options as your first choice!

Chemical Management
IMPORTANT: Visit Home and Garden Fact Sheets for more information on using pesticides

Apply according to label instructions. Do not apply sulfur products if temperatures are high or leaves may burn.

Listed below are examples of pesticides that are legal in Washington. Always read and follow all label directions.
  • Bi-Carb Old-Fashioned Fungicide [Organic]
    Active ingredient: potassium bicarbonate  |  EPA reg no: 54705-10
  • Hi-Yield Snake Eyes Dusting Wettable Sulfur
    Active ingredient: sulfur  |  EPA reg no: 7401-188-34911
  • Lilly Miller Sulfur Dust Fungicide/Insecticide Dust or Spray
    Active ingredient: sulfur  |  EPA reg no: 802-16
  • Safer Brand Garden Fungicide/Flowers, Fruit & Vegetables Conc
    Active ingredient: sulfur  |  EPA reg no: 42697-37
  • This list may not include all products registered for this use.
Images

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Caption: Powdery mildew on pea
Photo by: R.S. Byther
Caption: Powdery mildew on pea
Photo by: R.S. Byther