Several fungal root rots can affect peas. Typical symptoms of root rots are stunting, yellowing, and dieback of aboveground portions of the plants. Root systems of affected plants are smaller than normal. Variously-colored lesions (red, black, grayish) are present on the roots, and the root system eventually becomes black and rotted. Aphanomyces root rot causes straw-colored lesions on the roots. Fusarium root rot causes red streaking in the core of the main root and lower stem. Other root rots do not cause this unique discoloration.

Management Options

Non-Chemical Management

Rotate crops. Do not plant peas in the same location more frequently than every third year.
Plant in well-drained soil. Use raised beds or add organic matter to soils to help improve drainage.
Do not overwater, especially in heavy soils.
Remove and destroy or discard (do not compost) diseased plants, including root systems.
Do not move contaminated soil to non-contaminated areas.

Select non-chemical management options as your first choice!

Chemical Management

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

None recommended

Images

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Caption: Top to bottom: root rot, healthy, Fusarium wilt, healthy Photo by: R.S. Byther

WSU Extension

Hortsense