How to Manage Pests

Ascochyta blight — Ascochyta spp.

Ascochyta blight is a problem on peas and sweet pea. Symptoms of plants infected with Ascochyta blight, or fungal leaf spot, include irregularly shaped brown or purple blotches on leaves or pods. Black lesions can be found on the stems, which may eventually rot and break. Leaves may shrivel and die. Petals have blackish rot and may extend into the flower stalk.

Solutions

The fungus that causes Ascochyta blight survives in infected plant debris in the soil or on seed. Rain or overhead irrigation leads to rapid spread. Plant on raised beds so that the soil has good drainage. Limit the use of overhead sprinklers. Keep flowers and foliage dry and humidity low. Pull up and destroy infected plants as soon as you notice them to prevent spread in the field. Use pathogen-free seed and plants and rotate out of peas.