Pea: Pea wilt

Biology

Pea wilt is caused by a fungus. Several races of the fungus occur and may cause different symptoms. Typically, plants are yellow, stunted, wilted, and often die. Plants affected by races 1, 5, and 6 may show downward curling of leaves and stipules. Stems are more rigid and brittle than uninfected plants. These plants may also show a yellowish to orange discoloration inside the lower stem and the root system. The root system otherwise appears normal. Race 2 causes a disease known as “near wilt”. The general symptoms are similar to those described. In addition, foliage may show a grayish discoloration and the disease may result in yellowing and wilt of the plant. The internal discoloration caused by Race 2 is typically dark red. The root system of affected plants may show some decay.

Management Options

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

Non-chemical Management

Select non-chemical management options as your first choice!

• Plant resistant varieties. Race 1-resistant (WR) varieties include ‘Alaska’, ‘Alpine’, ‘Banquet’, ‘Dwarf Alderman’, ‘Early Perfection’, ‘Frezonian’, ‘Green Arrow’, ‘Knight’, ‘Polaris’, and others. Varieties resistant to Race 2 include ‘New Era’, ‘New Season’, and ‘Polaris’.

Chemical Management

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

• None recommended.