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Ascochyta Leaf and Pod Spot - Peas

Ascochyta on a pea leaf, infection shown on a pea pod & close up of heavy disease pressure

Pathogen

Fungus

Hosts

Peas

Symptoms

Ascochyta pisi cause the development of tan coloured lesions with dark brown margins on leaves and pods, whereas Mycosphaerella pinoides produces dark brown / purple spotting on the leaves and pods plus streaking on the stem and the Phoma spp causes footrot symptoms.

Development

This seed and trash-borne disease usually causes the development of a fatal footrot and the other symptoms in seedling before infecting the surrounding crop. Pycnidia in the lesions release spores (conidia) which are spread by rain or wind-borne water droplets.

Favourable Factors

Cool, wet weather.

Importance

On peas one of the most important pea diseases as it causes seedling death, yield losses and rejection due to staining.

Control

  • Some varieties do offer a degree of tolerance.

  • Adopt short crop rotations.

  • Remove crop debris after harvest.

  • Seed should be tested for Ascochyta infection levels before drilling.

  • Fungicide seed treatment.

  • Foliar fungicides are available for Ascochyta control

Heavy disease pressure

Infection on pea pods

Infection on pea leaves