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Peas

Pisum sativum L.

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General Description

In 2007, 1,800 hectares of forage peas and 3,800 hectares of vining peas were grown in Scotland. With an average yield of 2.9 tonnes/hectare for forage peas and 3.87 tonnes/hectare for vining peas, Scottish production was 19,900 tonnes. Source of statistics: The Economic Report on Scottish Agriculture 2008

Peas are an important legume crop, but wet weather at harvest can cause difficulties at harvest, making them a risky crop in some areas.

Where they can be grown successfully, they are a fertility-building arable cash crop, making them a useful component of an arable based organic rotation.

Peas should not be grown in short rotations, otherwise  soil borne fungi can build up leading  to poor emergence and vigour.  This phenomenon is commonly called pea sickness. 

The optimum time to sow is in mid March to early April. Earlier sowing can lead to damping off diseases, whilst later sowing may lead to  a late harvest.  

Crop Development

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Crop Diary

Use these links to see issues affecting the crop during the year.

July

Protect crops from botrytis

When crops are at flowering, wet unsettled weather can lead to botrytis. More..

Seed

Seed must be tested for germination. An ascochyta test will also help determine  whether a specific seed treatment is required to control this diseases.  Pea bacterial blight is no longer notifiable, but it is advisable to test home saved seed fro this disease.

Harvest

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Storage

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Diseases, Pests and Weeds Affecting Peas

Botrytis

Botrytis is a common disease which affectes a wide range of crops, including peas and oilseed rape. More...

Sclerotinia

Sclerotinia can attack a wide range of crops, including oilseed rape, potatoes, peas, beans, carrots and lettuce. Crops which are unaffected include grasses and cereals. More...