How to Manage Pests

Pea basal stem rots—Phoma and Mycosphaerella spp.

Seedlings affected by basal stem rot may wilt and die. Black sunken lesions may extend up the plant, beginning at the soil line. Older plants that are affected show spotting of leaves, flower parts, or stems.

Solutions

The basal rot fungus survives indefinitely in soil or seed. Avoid garden sites with a history of basal rot problems and rotate out of peas for as long as possible. Plant in well-drained areas and avoid overhead sprinklers.