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Peas

Last updated on December 19, 2023

Peas

Growing Peas

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Varieties

Process Market

Consult processors.

Fresh Market

Knight, Progress No. 9, Green Arrow, Paladio, Mr. Big, Strike.

Sugar Snap Types (Snap Pea)

Oregon Sugar Pod II (snow pea), Oregon Giant (Snowpea), Super Sugar Snap, Mega.

See your seed dealer for the most recent variety recommendations.

 

Seed Treatment

Use seed treated with a fungicide or with an insecticide-fungicide mixture if seed-corn maggots are likely to be a problem. Apron seed treatment is recommended for early planting in cool soil.

Note: Apron is registered for use only in a commercial seed treatment plant.

For control of seed corn maggot and wireworm, use seed treated with Cruiser 5F

 

Soil Temperature

 Good germination will occur at 4 to 14°C.

 

Land Preparation

The land should be plowed, harrowed and culti-packed lightly to ensure a firm seed-bed. For processing crops, the land should be level to enable efficient machine harvesting.

 

Fertilizer

A soil test is necessary to determine phosphate and potash requirements. Use the Vegetable Production Guide: Nutrient Management (PDF) for recommendations based on soil test results.

If necessary, lime to obtain a pH of 6.0 – 6.5, which is considered best for growth and nitrogen fixation by the plant.

Broadcast and disc in all the required potash. Drill in up to 100 kg/ha (40 kg/acre) of phosphate with the seed. If more than this amount of phosphate is used, it should be drilled 5 cm deeper than seeding depth before seeding, or applied as a broadcast treatment with the potash. Where a magnesium deficiency is thought to exist, apply 20 kg/ha (8 kg/acre) MgO prior to seeding.

 

Seeding

Drill dwarf types for the process market at a uniform depth of 4 to 5 cm, dropping 5 to 10 seeds per 50 cm of row. Aim for a plant population of 1,200,000 plants per hectare (485,000/acre).

Providing moisture is adequate and not excessive, a light rolling may be advantageous. Heavy rolling or packing is likely to reduce fertilizer uptake and pea root nodulation, and to increase the number of plants affected by root rot.

 

Pea Leaf Stages

Diagram of pea leaf growth stages

 

Pea Weed Management

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Pre-plant Incorporation

Pre-plant Incorporation: Herbicide Application Rates
Product Rate PHI* Comments

Bonanza 480

(trifluralin)

Group 3		 1.25 to 1.7 L/ha
(500 to 600 mL/acre)

Apply in at least 100 L/ha (40 L/acre) water at 275 kPa 		N/A
  • Rates vary with soil type, see label for detail.
  • Apply treatment from 3 weeks before planting and incorporate thoroughly within 24 hours to 8 to 10 cm deep.
  • Controls seedling grasses and some broadleaved weeds.
  • Lady’s-thumb, nightshades, shepherd’s-purse and mustards are not controlled, hence other treatments will be necessary.
  • Use the lowest rate on sandy soil, the higher rate on heavy textured soils.
  • Effectiveness is reduced on cold, wet soils or on mineral soils with less than 2% or greater than 15% organic matter.
  • See label for rates by soil type.
  • If manure is spread prior to application ensure it has been thoroughly mixed into soil with at least 2 tillage operations prior to application.
  • Do not enter treated area for 12 hours.

Pursuit

(imazethapyr)

Group 2		 312 mL/ha
(126 mL/acre)

Processing Peas:
Apply in 200 L/ha
(80 L/acre) of water

Snowpeas:
Apply in 100 to 400 L/ha
(40 to 160 L/acre) of water 		Processing:
50

Snow Peas:
60
  • Registered on processing peas and snowpeas.
  • May be used as either a pre-plant incorporated treatment or as a pre-emergent treatment.
  • Do not make more than 1 application per year.
  • Plant back restriction: In case of crop failure only replant with processing peas or imazethapyr-tolerant corn in the year of application. (See label for other crops listed).
  • Do not graze treated crops or cut for hay .

*PHI = Pre-harvest interval
BUFFERS – Refer to product label for buffer requirements, and consult the Vegetable Production Guide: Pesticide Regulations and Safety (PDF).
PESTICIDE GROUP DETAILS – see the Vegetable Production Guide: Pesticide Toxicity Table (PDF).

 

Pre-emergence

Pre-emergence: Herbicide Application Rates
Product Rate PHI* Comments

Gesagard 480SC

(prometryne)

Group 5		 3.75 to 4.58 L/ha
to 1.85 L/acre)

Apply in 200 to 1000 L/ha (80 to 405 L/acre) water at 200 to 300 kPa 		55
  • Controls many annual broadleaved weeds and seedling grasses, but not atrazine-resistant pigweed, lamb’s-quarters and groundsel.
  • Use the lower rate on sandy soils.
  • Good soil moisture is essential. If the soil is dry and rainfall not expected, light incorporation by harrowing is recommended.
  • Make only one application per season.
  • Only replant with crops specified on the label in the same season of application.
  • Do not enter treated area for 12 hours.

*PHI = Pre-harvest interval
BUFFERS – Refer to product label for buffer requirements, and consult the Vegetable Production Guide: Pesticide Regulations and Safety (PDF).
PESTICIDE GROUP DETAILS – see the Vegetable Production Guide: Pesticide Toxicity Table (PDF).

 

Post-emergence

Post-emergence: Herbicide Application Rates
Product Rate PHI* Comments

Centurion/Select

(clethodim)
 0.19 L/ha
(77 mL/acre

Apply in 110 L/ha (45 L/acre) of water at 275 kPa		 21
  • Apply post-emergence of weeds and crop.
  • Do not apply more than 1 time per season.
  • Do not apply more than 0.38 L/ha (154 mL/acre) per season.
  • Centurion/Select is to be used only with the adjuvant Amigo at 0.5 to 1.0% v/v.
  • See label for rates depending on weed types and weed-leaf growth stages.
  • Controls annual grasses and suppresses quack grass.
  • Allow 4 days between this application and any other chemical not found on the label.
  • Do not enter treated area for 12 hours.

Basagran

(bentazon)

Group 6

plus

Assist

1.75 to 2.25 L/ha
(700 to 900 mL/acre)

Processing Peas:
Apply in 100 to 400 L/ha
(40 to 160 L/acre) of water at 275 to 425 kPa.

Snowpeas:
Apply in 300 L/ha
(120 L/acre) of water

plus

1.0 to 2.0 L/ha of Assist
(400 to 800 mL/acre)

Processing Peas:  N/A

Snow Peas:  30
  • Registered on processing peas and snowpeas.
  • Use the low rate for snow peas.
  • Apply only once per year for snow peas.
  • Apply soon after peas have formed 3 pairs of leaves (see leaf-stage diagram in this section), up to the flowering stage of the crop.
  • Controls broadleaf weeds such as mustard, lady’s thumb and common groundsel.
  • Use the higher rate when lady’s thumb is taller than 7.5 cm or when difficult weeds such as lamb’s-quarters or pigweed are present.
  • See the label for recommended weed growth stages.
  • Best results are obtained in warm weather
  • Not effective on grasses.
  • Rainfall within 6 to 8 hours of application may reduce effectiveness.
  • Under hot and humid conditions use 1.0 L/ha (400 mL/acre) of Assist.
  • Do not graze treated crops.
  • Do not enter treated area for 12 hours.

Basagran Forte

(bentazon)

Group 6

 1.75 to 2.25 L/ha
(0.7 to 0.9 L/acre)

Apply in 100 to 300 L/ha (40 to 120 L/acre) of water at 275 to 425 kPa 		N/A
  • Registered on processing peas.
  • Apply soon after peas have formed 3 pairs of leaves (see leaf-stage diagram in this section), up to the flowering stage of the crop.
  • Not effective on grasses.
  • Controls broadleaf weeds such as mustard, lady’s thumb and common groundsel.
  • Use the higher rate when lady’s thumb is over the 6-leaf stage or when difficult weeds such as lamb’s-quarters or pigweed are present.
  • The smaller the weeds, the better the control (see label for recommended weed growth stages).
  • Repeat at an interval of 7 to 15 days.
  • Use split applications 7 to 15 days apart at 1.75 L/ha to suppress field bindweed (2.5 to 6.0 cm) or to control Canada thistle (15 to 20 cm).
  • Rainfall within 6 to 8 hours of application may reduce effectiveness.
  • Cool weather conditions or drought will delay herbicide activity and, if prolonged, may result in poor weed control.
  • Can cause injury to cucumbers.
  • Do not use treated crops for grazing.
  • Do not enter treated area for 12 hours.

Sencor 75 DF
Sencor Solu-Pak

(metribuzin)

Group 5		 275 to 375 g/ha
(110 to 150 g/acre)

Apply in 170L/ha (70 L/acre) of water at 275 kPa. 		40
  • Registered on processing peas.
  • Apply after weeds have emerged and are less than 5 cm tall, and before pea vines are 15 cm long.
  • Controls many broadleaf weeds.
  • Does not control atrazine-resistant weeds or nightshade.
  • Do not apply within 3 days after periods of cool, wet or cloudy weather or injury may occur.

Poast Ultra

(sethoxydim)

Group 1

Note:  No longer produced

Annual grasses (incl. volunteer cereals):

320 mL/ha (130 mL/ac)

Annual grasses & quackgrass suppression:

470 mL/ha (190 mL/ac)

Quackgrass:

1.1 L/ha (445 mL/ac)		 30
  • Registered on processing peas and snowpeas.
  • Do not use on fresh edible pod peas.
  • For snow peas, maximum rate is 320 mL/ha.
  • For control of annual grasses and quackgrass suppression, add Merge adjuvant using a rate of 0.5 - 1.0 L/ha (0.2 - 0.4 L/ac).
  • For control of quackgrass, add Merge adjuvant using a rate of 1.0 - 2.0 l/ha (0.4 - 0.8 L/ac).
  • Annual bluegrass is not controlled.
  • Apply when annual weeds are in the 1 to 6 leaf stage and when quackgrass is in the 1 to 3 leaf stage.
  • Apply in 50 to 200 L/ha (20 to 80 L/acre) of water at 240 kPa pressure..
  •  See label for water volume and pressure when weed infestations or crop canopies are dense.
  • Observe a 30 day plantback interval for crops not listed.
  • Do not enter treated area for 12 hours.

Assure II

(quizalofop-P-ethyl)

Group 1
 		 380 to 750 mL/ha
(150 to 300 mL/acre)

Apply with Merge at 5 to 10 L per 1000 L of spray solution, or Sure-Mix at 0.5% (0.5 L per 100 L of spray solution) 		65
  • Registered on processing peas.
  • Controls annual grasses and quackgrass.
  • See label for rates, weed types, and weed leaf stages.
  • Use the low rate for control of barnyard grass at the 2 leaf to early tillering stage.
  • Use the high rate and apply at the 2 to 6 leaf stage for control of quackgrass.
  • Rainfall within 1 hour of application may reduce effectiveness.
  • Do not apply within 7 days of using other herbicides or wait at least 24 hours before using other herbicides after making an application of Assure or Yuma.
  • Use flat fan nozzles. Do not use flood jet nozzles.
  • Apply Yuma once per year.

Yuma

(quizalofop p-ethyl)

Group 1		 380 to 750 mL/ha
(150 to 300 mL/acre)

Apply with Merge at 5 to 10 L per 1000 L of spray solution, or Sure-Mix at 0.5% (0.5 L per 100 L of spray solution) 		65
  • Registered on processing peas.
  • Controls annual grasses and quackgrass.
  • See label for rates, weed types, and weed leaf stages.
  • Use the low rate for control of barnyard grass at the 2 leaf to early tillering stage.
  • Use the high rate and apply at the 2 to 6 leaf stage for control of quackgrass.
  • Rainfall within 1 hour of application may reduce effectiveness.
  • Do not apply within 7 days of using other herbicides or wait at least 24 hours before using other herbicides after making an application of Assure or Yuma.
  • Use flat fan nozzles. Do not use flood jet nozzles.
  • Apply Yuma once per year.

Aim EC

(carfentrazone-ethyl)

Group 14

37 to 117 mL/ha
(15 to 47 mL/acre)

Apply in 100 L/ha (40 L/acre) of water

 1
  • Controls annual weeds.
  • Must be applied using hooded sprayers to weeds between the rows of the emerged crop.
  • Use an adjuvant such as Agral 90 or Agral-Surf at 0.25% v/v (0.25 L/100 L of spray solution) or Merge at 1% v/v (1 L/100 L of spray solution).
  • Precaution:  crop injury will occur when spray drift is allowed to come in contact with green stem tissue, leaves or blooms of the crop.
  • Apply only once per growing season.
  • Do not apply if used as a pre-plant burn-down in the same season.
  • Use the Vegetable Production Guide: Pest Management (PDF, 1.2 MB) for pre-plant burn-down precautions.

*PHI = Pre-harvest interval
BUFFERS – Refer to product label for buffer requirements, and consult the Vegetable Production Guide: Pesticide Regulations and Safety (PDF).
PESTICIDE GROUP DETAILS – see the Vegetable Production Guide: Pesticide Toxicity Table (PDF).

 

Pea Insect Management

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Aphids

These small, soft-bodied, green, slow-moving, sucking insects feed mainly on growing tips and can cause severe stunting of all parts, resulting in serious yield loss.

Control

Fields should be monitored and controls applied when aphids are first detected. If pea vines are to be fed to livestock note the restrictions under Lagon. Use sufficient water for good coverage and spray with one of the chemicals in the table below.

Chemical Control of Aphids
Product Rate PHI* Comments

Cygon 480/ Lagon 480 E

(dimethoate)

Group 1B
 275 to 380 mL/ha
(110 to 153 mL/acre)		 3
  • Registered on canning peas.
  • Apply as a groundspray using a closed cab.
  • Use sufficient water for good coverage.
  • For Lagon 480E, apply in 100 to 300 L/ha (40 to 120 L/acre) of water. 
  • Repeat using a 14 day interval.
  • Do not apply more than twice per season.
  • Do not feed or graze pea vines within 21 days of application.
  • Toxic to bees.  Avoid applying when the crop is in bloom.  If applications must be made during bloom, apply in the evening when most bees are not foraging.
  • Do not re-enter treated area for 12 hours. 

Malathion 85E

(malathion)

Group 1B
1.1 L/ha
(440 mL/acre)
 
Apply in 1000 L/ha (405 L/acre) of water
3
  • Repeat using a 7 day interval.
  • Do not make more than 2 applications per year.
  • Best control is obtained when temperature is above 20°C.
  • Do not apply unless foliage is dry.
  • Toxic to fish.
  • Do not apply where runoff is likely to occur.
  • Do not apply after expiry date on the container label.
  • Do not re-enter treated area for 24 hours.

Matador 120 EC/ Silencer 120 EC

(lambda- cyhalothrin)
 
Group 3
 83 to 233 mL/ha
(34 to 94 mL/acre)

Apply in 100 to 200 L/ha (40 to 80 L/acre) of water		 14
  • Repeat using a 7 day interval.
  • Do not make more than 3 applications per season.
  • Do not graze or harvest treated crop for livestock feed.
  • Do not apply more than 3 times per season.
  • Toxic to bees. Avoid spraying when bees are foraging.
  • If the field slopes downward to water, construct and maintain a vegetative filter strip.  Check label for details.
  • Check label for personal protective equipment requirements.
  • Do not enter treated area for 12 hours.

Assail 70 WP

(acetamiprid)
 
Group 4
56 to 86 g/ha
(23 to 35 g/acre)
 
Apply in 200 L/ha (80 L/acre) of water.
 7
  • Repeat using a 7 day interval.
  • Maximum of 3 applications per season.
  • Toxic to bees.  Do not apply to flowering crops or weeds if bees are visiting the treatment area.
  • Do not enter treated area for 12 hours.

Admire 240F

(imidacloprid)
 
Group 4
Soil application:
7.5 mL per 100m of row
 
(see rate conversion chart of label for row spacing calculations)

21
  • Use one of the following methods:
  • Apply specified dosage in 2000 L/ha (800 L/ac) of water as a narrow (5 cm or less) surface band over the seedline during planting.
  • Seedlings: apply in 200 L/ha (80 L/ac) of water as a subsurface side-dress on both sides of each row. Product must be incorporated into the root zone.
  • Post-seeding drench: use higher water volumes to thoroughly wet the soil
  • Do not apply more than once per season as a soil application.
  • Do not make any subsequent application of a group 4 insecticide.

 

Admire 240F

(imidacloprid)
 
Group 4
 Foliar application:
200 mL/ha
(80 mL/acre)		 7
  • Repeat using a 7 day interval.
  • Do not make more than 2 applications per year.
  • Do not follow a soil application with a foliar application of Admire 240F.
  • Do not re-enter treated area for 24 hours.

Sivanto Prime

(flupyradifurone)
 
Group 4D

500 to 750 mL/ha
(200 300 mL/acre)

Apply in 100 L/ha (40 L/acre) of water		 7
  • Repeat at a 10 day interval.
  • Do not exceed a total of 2000 mL/ha (810 mL/acre) of product per season.
  • Toxic to bees.  Do not apply to flowering crops or weeds if bees are visiting the treatment area.
  • Do not enter treated areas for 12 hours.

Beleaf 50SG

(flonicamid)

Group 29
 20 to 160 g/ha
(50 to 65 g/acre)

Apply in 94 L/ha (38 L/acre) of water		 7
  • Repeat at 7 day intervals.
  • Do not apply more than 3 times per year.
  • Observe a 30 day plantback interval for crops not listed.
  • Do not re-enter treated area for 12 hours.

Movento 240 SC

(spirotetramat)

Group 23
 185 to 275 mL/ha
(75 to 110 mL/acre)

Apply in 300L/ha (120 L/acre) of wate		 1
  • Use with one of the following adjuvants: non-ionic (eg. Agral 90 or Ag-Surf) or methylated seed oil (eg. Hasten).
  • Do not apply more than 730 mL/ha (295 mL/acre) per crop per season.
  • Toxic to bees. Avoid spraying when crop is in bloom.
  • Do not enter treated area for 12 hours.

*PHI = Pre-harvest interval
BUFFERS – Refer to product label for buffer requirements, and consult the Vegetable Production Guide: Pesticide Regulations and Safety (PDF).
PESTICIDE GROUP DETAILS – see the Vegetable Production Guide: Pesticide Toxicity Table (PDF).

 

Leaf Weevil

This grayish-brown weevil, 2 mm long, feeds on leaves of young plants and may kill them. Their damage appears as notches chewed on the edges of leaves.

Control

This pest does not normally cause economic damage in commercial fields.

 

Loopers and Other Caterpillars

Loopers are green caterpillars up to 2.5 cm in length that move in a looping fashion and eat holes in the leaves. This feeding is not particularly damaging to the crop, but caterpillars can contaminate peas at the processors.

Control

Spray when caterpillars are first seen with one of the products in the table below.

Chemical Control of Loopers
Product Rate PHI* Comments

Lannate Toss-N-Go

(methomyl)

Group 1A
 510 g/ha
(205 g/acre)

Apply in 100 to 350 L/ha (40 to 140 L/acre) of water 		1
  • Use lower rates when plants are small.
  • Early morning or late evening sprays are recommended.
  • Do not apply more than once per season.
  • Do not re-enter treated area for 12 hours.

Coragen

(chlorantraniliprole)

Group 28
 250 mL/ha
(100 mL/acre)

Apply in 100 L/ha (40 L/acre) of water. 		1
  • Do not make more than 4 applications per season.
  • Do not apply more than once every 3 days.
  • Do not enter treated area for 12 hours.

*PHI = Pre-harvest interval
BUFFERS – Refer to product label for buffer requirements, and consult the Vegetable Production Guide: Pesticide Regulations and Safety (PDF).
PESTICIDE GROUP DETAILS – see the Vegetable Production Guide: Pesticide Toxicity Table (PDF).

 

Pea Weevil

The adult is about 5 mm long. Larvae (grubs) enter developing peas, hollowing out the centre portions, destroying the viability of the seed, and rendering it unfit for human consumption.

Control

This pest rarely causes losses in commercial fields. If damage has occurred in the past, spray just prior to blossom and 10 days later, with one of the products in the table below.

Chemical Control of Pea Weevils
Product Rate PHI* Comments

Malathion 85E

(malathion)

Group 1B
 1.1 L/ha
(440 mL/acre)		 3
  • Repeat using a 7 day interval.
  • Do not make more than 2 applications per year.
  • Best control is obtained when temperature is above 20°C.
  • Do not apply unless foliage is dry.
  • Toxic to fish.
  • Do not apply where runoff is likely to occur.
  • Do not apply after expiry date on the container label.
  • Do not re-enter treated area for 24 hours.

*PHI = Pre-harvest interval
BUFFERS – Refer to product label for buffer requirements, and consult the Vegetable Production Guide: Pesticide Regulations and Safety (PDF).
PESTICIDE GROUP DETAILS – see the Vegetable Production Guide: Pesticide Toxicity Table (PDF).

 

Pea Disease Management

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Downy Mildew (Peronospora)

Leaves turn yellow, then brown and a greyish-white mould appears on the underside of leaves in cool damp weather. Plants may be stunted and stems distorted. Brown blotches and mould may also appear on pods. The fungus-like organism carries over on plant debris in the soil.

Control

  • Plant resistant or tolerant varieties.
  • Rotate out of legumes for two to three years.
  • Burn or remove pea straw after harvest.
  • Bury crop residues by deep plowing.
  • Avoid overcrowding of plants.
  • Apron MAXX RTA or Apron XL LS applied as a seed treatment for damping off and root rot will also reduce seed-borne downy mildew.
 

Root Rots

Infected plants are stunted, yellow and may dry up prior to harvest. Roots are discoloured and rotted to varying degrees. Several soil pathogens (Pythium, Fusarium, Rhizoctonia, Aphanomyces) may be involved. Infection is favoured by cool, wet soil conditions during the early stages of growth. Damage shows up after blossoming and is most severe under hot, dry conditions.

Control/Suppression

  • Practice crop rotation. If possible, do not plant peas in the same field more than one year in three.
  • Plant in well-drained fields. Keep soil compaction to a minimum.
  • Use fungicide-treated seed. Apron MAXX RTA or Apron XL LS is effective against soil-borne Pythium as well as downy mildew.
  • For suppression of Root Rot, apply Serenade Soil as a surface application after seeding and as a post-plant drench or spray, directing it towards the base of the plants.
  • Apply up to 25 kg/ha (10 kg/acre) nitrogen to fields with a history of root rot, particularly for early seedings.
 

Fusarium Wilt

Control

  • Avoid spreading the disease from infested to clean fields. The disease is carried in soil and infected pea vines.
  • Practice crop rotation. If possible, do not plant peas in the same field more than one year in three.
  • There are several races of wilt present in the Fraser Valley (Races 1,2,5,6). Varieties resistant to the particular race(s) present should be grown in following years.