Pea

Pea

Introduction

Pea (Pisum sativum) belongs to the legume family. It is a cool-season crop that may be planted as early in the spring as the soil becomes tillable. Field pea is commonly grown as a cover crop, or, in more arid regions, for its smooth dried seeds that are used as food or feed crops. Garden pea is more commonly grown in New England for fresh market use. Garden peas contain higher sugar and lower starch contents than field peas and have wrinkled mature seeds. 

Types and Varieties

Three types of garden peas are in demand, all of which come in dwarf and tall vining forms:

  • Shelling Pea - only the seed is eaten.
  • Snow or Edible-Podded Pea - the pod is eaten with undeveloped seeds.
  • Sugar Pea or Sugar Snap - both pod and seed are eaten.
  • Pea Shoots - tender shoots from all vegetable, cover crop, and seed pea varieties may be eaten.
Type Varieties
Shelling Pea

Strike (49) - F

PLS 534 (58, afila type) - F

Knight (62) - CW, PM, PEV

Progress #9 (62)

Maxigolt (62)

Green Arrow (65) - F

Lincoln (62) - CW

Snow Pea

Oregon Giant (60) - F

Avalanche (60) - F

Blizzard (61)

Oregon Sugar Pod II (60) - CW, F, PM, PEV

Sugar Snap Pea

Sugar Ann (52)

Sugar Sprint (62) - PM, PEV

Sugar Snap (62)

Super Sugar Snap (66) - PM, PLR

SL3123 (70)

The number in parentheses is the approximate number of days to maturity from seeding.

Resistant or tolerant to: CW: common wilt, DM: downy mildew, F: Fusarium wilt, PEV: pea enation virus, PLR: pea leaf roll virus, PM: powdery mildew

Soil Fertility

Apply lime according to soil test results to maintain soil pH at 6.5-6.8.

Most research suggests that 20-30 lb of nitrogen (N) per acre should be available at planting time, but that higher levels are not helpful. Peas can fix anywhere from 50-300 lbs of N per acre, depending on plant density and availability of the appropriate species of Rhizobium bacteria. These bacteria, if present, live in root nodules of legumes, including peas, and convert atmospheric N into forms available to plants, a process called nitrogen fixation. Nitrogen obtained in this manner is used more effectively than applied N. Therefore, plant vigor and production may be higher when the seed is inoculated with the appropriate species of Rhizobium bacterium. Inoculant can be purchased from most seed companies and should be listed in their catalogs. It is usually applied by mixing it with the seed at planting time. Pea inoculants are the same as those for vetches and lentils. Those used for alfalfa, beans, or clovers will not work with peas. If peas or vetch have recently been grown in the field, inoculation may not be necessary. Note that many seed treatments may be toxic to the bacteria.

Nitrogen fixing can be slow in a cool, wet spring, so there may not be adequate N for high yields through N fixing alone. In this case, additional N may help to increase yields. However, applying excess N may reduce bacterial N fixation. If Rhizobium is not present, if leaching has occurred, or for early peas, sidedressing with an additional 25 lbs of N per acre may be beneficial.

Less N fertilizer will be needed if legume sod or cover crop was plowed down or if manure was applied (see Table 1 and Table 7).

Plant Nutrient Recommendations According to Soil Test Results for Pea

SOIL TEST RESULTS NITROGEN (N) -LBS PER ACRE  PHOSPHORUS (P) -
LBS P2O5
PER ACRE
POTASSIUM (K) -
LBS K2O
PER ACRE
VERY LOW LOW OPTIMUM ABOVE OPTIMUM VERY LOW LOW OPTIMUM ABOVE OPTIMUM
Broadcast/Planter 50-75 150 100 25-50 0 150 100 50 0
TOTAL RECOMMENDED 50-75 150 100 25-50 0 150 100 50 0

Planting

Seeding rates for peas vary considerably depending on the size of the seed. For fresh market, peas should be spaced 1.5-2" between seeds and 24-36" between rows at a seeding rate of 90-150 lb/A (about 1 lb/100 feet of row).

For processing peas, seed 200-250 lb/A at 1" between plants and 7" between rows.

Field Culture

Pea seed will germinate well at soil temperatures as low as 50ºF, but germination is slow. Extended periods of cool, wet weather during the germination period may cause rotting of the seed. For this reason, fertile, well-drained, sandy soils are best for early plantings. Finer-textured soils with high moisture-holding capacities are preferred for late spring crops. The use of treated seed is helpful in overcoming the problem of seed decay.

Several root rot organisms that attack peas usually begin at the tips of the feeder roots and progress towards the main roots, or occasionally show on the stem slightly above ground level. Rotation can reduce problems with root rot in peas.

Peas that mature during hot, dry weather frequently show reduced yield and quality. If hot, dry conditions normally occur in your area, pea planting should be suspended in mid-May and resume in July for fall harvest. If hot, dry summer weather occurs for only short periods in your area, plantings can be made throughout the summer using heat-resistant varieties for mid-summer harvest.

Trellising

A trellis should be installed at the time of planting. Nylon mesh netting using twister bands to attach to 2"x 2" stakes makes a good trellis for tall varieties. At least a 6' high trellis is needed for all vining varieties. A double row can be planted for more efficient use of netting.

Harvest and Storage

Pods of shell peas should be rounded and still have a glossy sheen; if dull, they have passed their prime and will have lost their sweetness in exchange for a starchy flavor. Snap peas should also be glossy, and swelled, but not rounded. Pods of snow peas should be expanded to their fullest extent but still be flat. Peas should be stored at 32ºF with 95-98% relative humidity.

Pea Disease Control

Pea Disease Control

NOTES: For the disease control products listed below, one product trade name and formulation are provided for each active ingredient (common name) as an example of rates, preharvest interval (PHI), restricted entry interval (REI), and special instructions. In many cases, there are other products available with the same active ingredient. Please see Table 26 and Fungicides and Bactericides Alphabetically Listed by Trade Name for more information on products with the same active ingredients.

The symbol OG indicates a product is listed by the Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI) as approved for use in organic production. See Organic Certification section for more detail.

Damping-Off, Seed Decay, Root Rot, and Stem Canker

Plant early in well-drained and well-fertilized soil. Use a 3- to 4-year rotation.

  • Bacillus amyloliquefaciens strain D747 (Double Nickel LCOG): 0.5 to 4.5 pt/A; PHI 0d, REI 4 h, Group BM02. Disease suppression only. For improved control, mix or rotate with a labeled chemical fungicide.
  • fludioxonil (Maxim 4FS): 0.8 to 0.16 oz/100 lb seed; REI 12h, Group 12. For protection against seedborne and soilborne fungi.
  • mefenoxam (Apron XL): 0.64 to 1.28 fl oz/100 lb seed; REI 48h, Group 4 . For protection against Pythium damping-off, early-season Phytophthora (0.64 fl oz/100 lb seed), and systemic downy mildew (1.28 fl oz/100 lb seed).\
  • pydiflumetofen (Trebuset): 0.31 to 0.77 fl oz/100 lb seed; REI 12h, Group 7. For Fusarium root rot. See label for restrictions and plant-back intervals.
  • sedaxane (Vibrance): 0.08 to 0.16 fl oz/100 lb seed; REI 12h, Group 7. Labeled for seed decay, seedling blights, and Rhizoctonia damping-off. See label for restrictions and plant-back intervals.
  • Streptomyces lydicus strain WYEC 108 (Actinovate AGOG): 1.0 to 12.0 oz/A; REI 4h, Group BM02. See label for application methods. Can be applied to seed.
  • Trichoderma harzianum Rifai strain T-22: (Root Shield GranulesOG): 5.0 to 12.0 lb/A; REI 4h, Group BM02. In-furrow at time of planting.

Rhizoctonia Root Rot and Stem Canker

Rhizoctonia root rots and stem canker are caused by strains of the soilborne fungus Rhizoctonia solani that are common throughout all soils. The pathogen survives between crop seasons as sclerotia (survival structures), mycelium in the soil, or on or in infected plant debris. It is spread in infested soil or plant debris by wind, rain, irrigation water, and machinery. When soil becomes infested, the problem will persist indefinitely. Seedlings and young plants are highly susceptible to infection and disease severity is increased by low soil temperatures and soil compaction. Seed decay and damping-off can be controlled by using high-quality seed with high germination and vigor, and by practices that encourage rapid germination and emergence. Seed treatments are not effective against infections later in the season. The disease may be reduced by sowing seed as shallowly as possible in warm, moist soil. Land preparation that minimizes soil compaction and structural damage will lessen disease severity. Rotate crops with a cereal or pasture crop (avoid beets, beans, brassicas, and potatoes which can increase inoculum). Cover crops and other practices that increase organic matter and improve soil structure are recommended. Some brassica crops (mustard, rape) used as green manure have been reported to suppress Rhizoctonia. Avoid incorporating green manure immediately before planting and damaging roots by shallow cultivation. Fungicides can manage Rhizoctonia root rot on young seedlings if applied as a seed treatment or soil drench.

Disease Control

Pea Insect Control

Pea Insect Control

NOTES: For the insecticides listed below, one product trade name and formulation is provided for each active ingredient (AI) as an example of rates, preharvest interval (PHI), restricted entry interval (REI), and special instructions. In many cases, there are other products available with the same AI. Please see Table 27 and Insecticides Alphabetically Listed by Trade Name for more information on these insecticides.

The designation (Bee: L, M, or H) indicates a bee toxicity rating of low, moderate, or high. See the Protecting Honeybees and Native Pollinators section for more details.

The symbol * indicates a product is a restricted use pesticide. See Pesticide Safety and Use for more details.

The symbol OG indicates a product is listed by the Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI) as approved for use in organic production. See Organic Certification section for more details.

Corn Earworm (Helicoverpa zea) and Fall Armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda)

Generally, corn earworm (CEW) and fall armyworm (FAW) are late-season pests and are likely to only be a problem in fall peas. For more information, see Sweet Corn section.

  • alpha-cypermethrin (Fastac* CS): 2.7 to 3.8 oz/A; PHI 1d succulent shelled or edible-podded, 21d dried, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 3A.
  • Bacillus thuringiensis aizawai (XenTariOG): 0.5 to 2 lb/A; PHI 0d, REI 4h, Bee: L, Group 11. FAW only. Use alone to control light populations, or first and second instar larvae. Add a contact insecticide to control more mature FAW larvae and higher populations. Must be ingested. Apply in evening or early morning, before larvae are actively feeding. Adherence and weather-fastness will improve with use of an approved spreader-sticker. Use high rate at cool temperatures. For resistance management, may be rotated with Bt kurstaki products (Dipel).
  • Bacillus thuringiensis kurstaki (Dipel DFOG): 0.5 to 2 lb/APHI 0d, REI 4h, Bee: L, Group 11. Use alone to control light populations, or first and second instar larvae. Add a contact insecticide to control more mature FAW larvae and higher populations. Must be ingested. Apply in evening or early morning, before larvae are actively feeding. Adherence and weather-fastness will improve with use of an approved spreader-sticker. Use high rate at cool temperatures. For resistance management, may be rotated with Bt aizawai products (XenTari).
  • bifenthrin (Brigade* 2EC): 2.1 to 6.4 oz/A; PHI 3d fresh, 14d dry, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 3A.
  • carbaryl (Sevin XLR Plus): 0.5 to 1.5 qt/A CEW, 1 to 1.5 qt/A FAW; PHI 3d fresh, 21d dry, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 1A. Use on succulent or shelled peas prohibited.
  • chlorantraniliprole (Coragen): 5-7.5 oz/A soil at planting, 3.5-7.5 oz/A foliar; PHI 1d, REI 4h, Bee: L, Group 28.
  • chlorantraniliprole plus lambda-cyhalothrin (Besiege*): 6 to 10 oz/A; PHI 7d edible-podded and succulent shelled, 21d dried shelled, REI 24h, Bee: H, Groups 28 & 3A.
  • Chromobacterium subtsugae strain PRAA4-1 (GrandevoOG): 1 to 3 lb/A; PHI 0d, REI 4h, Bee: M, Group UN.
  • esfenvalerate (Asana* XL): 5.8 to 9.6 oz/A; PHI 3d fresh, 21d dry, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 3A. Not for FAW on dry peas.
  • gamma-cyhalothrin (Declare*): 1.02 to 1.54 oz/A; PHI 7d fresh, 21d dry, REI 24h, Bee: H, Group 3A. Use higher labeled rates for large FAW larvae.
  • indoxacarb (Avaunt): 3.5 oz/A; PHI 7d, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 22. Dry Southern peas only. CEW only.
  • lambda-cyhalothrin (Warrior* II): 1.28 to 1.92 oz/A; PHI 7d fresh, 21d dry, REI 24h, Bee: H, Group 3A. Use higher rates for large FAW larvae.
  • methoxyfenozide (Intrepid 2F): 4 to 16 oz/A FAW, 10 to 16 oz/A CEW; PHI 7d, REI 4h, Bee: L, Group 18. Use lower rates for FAW when plants are small or infestations are light. CEW suppression only.
  • spinetoram (Radiant SC): 4 to 8 oz/A; PHI 3d fresh, PHI 21d dry, REI 4h, Bee: M, Group 5.
  • spinosad (Entrust SCOG): 4 to 6 oz/A; PHI 3d succulent, 28d dried, REI 4h, Bee: M, Group 5.
  • zeta-cypermethrin (Mustang*): 2.72 to 4 oz/A CEW, 3.2 to 4 oz/A FAW; PHI 1d fresh, 21d dry, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 3A.

Cutworms

Cutworms are caterpillars that hide under the soil surface adjacent to the plant stem during the day and feed on stems after dark. For best results, make application between midnight and dawn while cutworms are feeding aboveground. Synthetic pyrethroids (Group 3A) may work best during cool spring weather. See cutworms in the Pepper and Tomato (Outdoor) sections for more information on black and variegated cutworms.

  • alpha-cypermethrin (Fastac* CS): 1.3 to 3.8 oz/A; PHI 1d succulent shelled or edible-podded, 21d dried, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 3A.
  • bifenthrin (Brigade* 2EC): 2.1 to 6.4 oz/A; PHI 3d fresh, 14d dry, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 3A.
  • carbaryl (Sevin XLR Plus): 1 to 1.5 qt/A; PHI 3d fresh, 21d dry, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 1A. Use on succulent or shelled peas prohibited.
  • chlorantraniliprole and lambda-cyhalothrin (Besiege*): 5 to 8 oz/A; PHI 7d edible-podded and succulent shelled, 21d dried shelled, REI 24h, Bee: H, Groups 28 & 3A.
  • esfenvalerate (Asana* XL): 5.8 to 9.6 oz/A; PHI 3d fresh, 21d dry, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 3A.
  • fenpropathrin (Danitol* 2.4EC): 10.66 oz/A; PHI 7d, REI 24, Bee: H, Group 3. Climbing cutworm only.
  • gamma-cyhalothrin (Declare*): 0.77 to 1.28 oz/A; PHI 7d fresh, 21d dry, REI 24h, Bee: H, Group 3A.
  • lambda-cyhalothrin (Warrior* II): 0.96 to 1.6 oz/A; PHI 7d fresh, 21d dry, REI 24h, Bee: H, Group 3A.
  • methomyl (Lannate* LV): 1.5 to 3 pt/A; PHI 1d, REI 48h, Bee: H, Group 1A. Variegated cutworm only.
  • spinosad (SeduceOG): 20 to 44 lb/A or 0.5 to1 lb/1000 sq ft.; PHI 3d succuent, 28d dried, REI 4h, Bee: M, Group 5. Spread bait on soil around plants.
  • zeta-cypermethrin (Mustang*): 1.28 to 4 oz/A; PHI 1d fresh, 21d dry, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 3A.

Pea Aphid (Acyrthosiphon pisum)

The pea aphid is light green with unusually long legs and cornicles (tailpipe-like projections). It is the primary aphid that attacks peas, fava beans, and lentils. This aphid overwinters as an egg on alfalfa, vetch, and clover and moves to peas in the spring. Live female nymphs are produced throughout most of the year. Females take 12 days to mature and produce up to 150 nymphs. There are 13-20 generations per year. Populations tend to be lower after cold, snowless winters or springs with persistent wet weather. Infestations during the bloom and early pod stages will reduce yield and crop quality by removing plant sap, impairing pod appearance, reducing seed fill, impairing nitrogen fixation, and by the presence of aphid honeydew. Start monitoring when plants begin to flower. Action thresholds include 1-2 aphids per leaf, 2-3 aphids per stem tip, or 9-13 per sweep, if a sweep net is being used. Harvest or spray nearby alfalfa, vetch, or clover before winged adults are formed in the spring. Varieties differ in their susceptibility to pea aphid damage. There are many natural enemies (lady beetles, lacewings, flower fly larvae, predatory midges, braconid wasps) that help reduce aphid numbers. Fungi will control high aphid populations during warm, humid, or wet weather. A single systemic insecticide application will control this pest.

  • acetamiprid (Assail 30 SG): 2.5 to 5.3 oz/A; PHI 7d, REI 12h, Bee: M, Group 4A. Not for dry peas.
  • bifenthrin (Brigade* 2EC): 2.1 to 6.4 oz/A; PHI 3d fresh, 14d dry, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 3A.
  • chlorantraniliprole and lambda-cyhalothrin (Besiege*): 6 to 10 oz/A; PHI 7d edible-podded and succulent shelled, 21d dried shelled, REI 24h, Bee: H, Groups 28 & 3A.
  • Chromobacterium subtsugae strain PRAA4-1 (GrandevoOG): 2 to 3 lb/A; PHI 0d, REI 4h, Bee: M, Group UN.
  • dimethoate (Dimethoate 4EC): 0.3 pt/A; PHI 0d, REI 48h, Bee: H, Group 1B. Do not apply if bees are actively foraging or when crops or weeds are in bloom.
  • esfenvalerate (Asana* XL): 2.9 to 5.8 oz/A; PHI 3d fresh, 21d dry, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 3A.
  • flupyradifurone (Sivanto): 7 to 14 oz/A; PHI 7d, REI 4h, Bee:L, Group 4D.
  • gamma-cyhalothrin (Declare*): 1.02 to 1.54 oz/A; PHI 7d fresh, 21d dry, REI 24h, Bee: H, Group 3A.
  • imidacloprid (Admire Pro): 1.2 oz/A foliar, 7 to 10.5 oz/A soil; PHI 7d foliar, 21d soil, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 4A.
  • insecticidal soap (M-PedeOG): 1.25 to 2.5 oz/gal water; PHI 0d, REI 12h, Bee: L. Spray to wet all infested plant surfaces. Repeated applications or the addition of another insecticide may be necessary.
  • lambda-cyhalothrin (Warrior* II): 1.28 to 1.92 oz/A; PHI 7d fresh, 21d dry, REI 24h, Bee: H, Group 3A.
  • malathion (Malathion 57 EC): 1.5 to 1.6 pt/A; PHI 3d, REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 1B.
  • methomyl (Lannate* LV): 1.5 to 3 pt/A; PHI 1d, REI 48h, Bee: H, Group 1A.
  • pyrethrin (PyGanic EC5.0OG): 4.5 to 15.61 oz/A; 0.25 to 0.50 oz/gal, 3 gal/1000 sq ft in greenhouse for backpack sprayers; PHI 0d, REI 12h, Bee: M, Group 3A.
  • sodium tetraborohydrate decahydrate (Prev-AM): 100 oz/100 gal; REI 12h, Bee: L, Group 25. Do not apply in midday sun or mix with copper, sulfur, or oils.
  • thiamethoxam (Cruiser 5FS): 1.28 oz/100 lb seed; REI 12h, Bee: H, Group 4A. Systemic seed treatment. Use standard slurry seed treatment equipment which provides uniform coverage. For early-season protection.

Seedcorn Maggot (Delia platura)

See seedcorn maggot in the Bean section for more information.

Insect Control

Pea Weed Control

Pea Weed Control

NOTE: For the herbicides listed below, one product trade name and formulation is provided for each active ingredient as an example of rates, preharvest interval (PHI), restricted entry interval (REI), resistance management group number, and special instructions. In many cases, there are other products available with the same active ingredient. However, not all products with the same active ingredient are registered for use in a crop. Always check the product label to be sure that the crop is listed before using. 

Stale Seedbed

See Stale Seedbed Technique for information on the use of these herbicides or flaming.

  • glyphosate (Roundup Power Max): REI 12h, Group 9.
  • paraquat (Gramoxone SL 2.0*): REI 12h, Group 22. Use 2 – 4 pts/A. Include a nonionic surfactant at 0.25% v/v, or crop oil concentrate/methylated seed oil at 1.0% v/v (1 gal/100 gal) of the finished spray volume for maximum efficacy. May be fatal if swallowed or inhaled. *Restricted use: Applicators must complete an EPA-approved paraquat training every 3 years: https://www.epa.gov/pesticide-worker-safety/paraquat-dichloride-training-certified-applicators.
  • pelargonic acid (Scythe): PHI 1d, REI 12h, Group 17.

Preemergent Herbicides (before weeds germinate)

  • clomazone (Command 3ME): REI 12h, Group 13. Apply 21.3 oz/A per application, only 1 application per year. Apply to the soil surface after seeding but before crop emergence. Apply in a minimum 10 gal/A of spray. Place seed below the chemical barrier when planting. Some temporary crop injury (partial whitening of leaf or stem tissue) may be visible after crop emergence. Complete recovery will occur from minor early injury without affecting yield or earliness.

  • linuron (Lorox DF): REI 24h or 8d, Group 5. Apply 2 lbs/A per application, only 1 application per year. Apply after planting but before crop emergence. Use the lower rate on sandy soils adn the higher rate on silt and clay soils. Do not apply to field peas used for livestock feed. Incorporate into the soil with water through irrigation or rainfall.
  • pendimethalin (Prowl H2O): PHI 60d, REI 24h, Group 3. Apply 1.5-3 pts/A per application, only 1 application per year. Apply before planting and incorporate 2-3” into the soil. Do not bring untreated soil to the surface. Activate with water through rainfall or irrigation.
  • s-metolachlor (Dual Magnum): REI 24h, Group 15. Shelling peas and dry peas only. Apply 1-2 pt/A per application, multiple applications allowed per year, a minimum of 14 days apart. Do not exceed 2 pt/A per year. Reduce soil movement after application for improved weed control. The combined applications in the fall plus spring must not exceed the maximum allowed annual rate. Has not been tested on all varieties; crop tolerance should be verified before treating the entire field. Can be applied after planting but before crop emerges, or after the 1st trifoliate stage of bean growth, although leaf spotting may occur. Can also be applied within 14 days of planting and incorporates 2” into the soil. Apply and incorporate after bed formation if planting into beds. The risk of crop injury is greater on light-textured soils and under cool wet conditions, and may delay maturity and reduce yield. Rate based on soil texture and organic matter.
  • sulfentrazone (Aquesta 4F): REI 12h, Group 14. Apply 2.25-6 oz/A per application, only 1 application per year. Apply as a before crop has emerged in a minimum of 10 gal/A of spray. Do not incorporate. Planting less than 1” into the soil, inadequate seed furrow closure, or poor growing conditions can cause adverse crop response. Wait a minimum of 7 days after application to plant in coarse-textured soils with less than 1.5% organic matter. Reduce rate on coarse-textured soil with organic matter less than 1.5% and pH of 7.8 or higher, or on highly eroded soils, or in areas of calcareous outcroppings to minimize adverse crop response.
  • trifluralin (Treflan HFP): REI 12h, Group 3. Shelling peas. Apply 1-1.5 pt/A per application, only 1 application per year. Apply before planting and incorporate 2-3” into the soil of the final seedbed within 24 hours of application. Disc twice after spraying for satisfactory incorporation. Rate depends on soil texture.

Pre- and Postemergent Herbicides

  • imazethapyr (Pursuit): PHI 30d, REI 4h, Group 2. Shelling peas and dry peas. Apply up to 3 oz/A per application. Apply within 1 week of planting or up to 3 days after planting. Incorporate into the soil if applying before planting. Can also be applied when peas are 3” tall but before 5 nodes or flowering. Nonionic surfactant must be added to the spray solution for postemergent use.
  • metribuzin (Metribuzin): PHI 50d, REI 12h, Group 5. Apply 0.25-0.5 lb/A per application. Do not exceed 0.6 lb/A per year. Can be applied in a single preemergent application 0.25-0.5 lb/A in at least 10 gal/A of spray. Apply before or after planting. Incorporate 1-2” into the soil with cultivation or water through rainfall irrigation. One post-emergent broadcast application may be made per season when weeds are less than 2’’ tall or wide and before crop is 6’’ tall. For spring peas, apply 0.16-0.3 lb/A and for winter peas, apply 0.25-0.3 lb/A. Apply in a minimum of 20 gal/A of spray.
  • saflufenacil (Sharpen): PHI 3d, REI 12hr, Group 14. Apply 1-2 oz/A per application, multiple applications allowed per year, a minimum of 30 days apart. Do not exceed 2 oz/A per year. Can be applied up to 3 days after planting but before cracking stage or emergence of peas. Ensure the seed row is closed, or severe crop injury will occur. Do not incorporate. Can also be applied 1 week before planting and incorporated less than 3” into the soil. Can also be applied post emergent in a minimum of 10 gal/A of spray. May also be used as a harvest aid/desiccant for dried field peas. When used as a desiccant, the application does not contribute to the maximum cumulative seasonal use rate for a crop. Spray over the top of dry peas that have reached physiological maturity (peas with at least 80% yellow/brown pods and no more than 30% of leaves still green for vine-type peas, and no more than 40% of leaves still green for bush-type peas). Allow up to 10 days for optimum desiccation effect. Has not been tested on all varieties, crop tolerance should be verified before treating the entire field. Do not use for green lentils. Plant legumes at least 0.5” deep to reduce risk of crop injury. May result in delayed crop emergence and stunting in cool wet conditions after application.

Postemergent Herbicides (after weeds germinate)

  • bentazon (Basagran): PHI 10d for succulent peas, 30d for dry peas, REI 48h, Group 6. Apply 0.8-1.6 pt/A per application. Do not exceed 3.2 pt/A per year. Rate based on weed composition. Apply to actively growing weeds.Apply after 3 pairs of leaves (or 4 nodes) are present. An effective treatment in an emergency situation to control certain broadleaf weeds and fairly effective against yellow nutsedge when 4-6" tall. Pea injury such as yellowing, bronzing, speckling, or burning of leaves may occur under certain conditions. Temporary injury is generally outgrown without delay of podset, maturity or reducing yields. Do not apply when peas are in bloom or under stress from root rot. Do not apply with a crop oil concentrate or injury and yield reductions may occur.
  • carfentrazone (Aim EC): REI 12h, Group 14. Apply 0.5-2 oz/A per application, multiple applications allowed per year. Do not exceed 6.1 oz/A per year. Can be applied as a preplant burndown no later than 1 day before planting. Can also be applied to row middles of emerged crops with hooded sprayers to control emerged weeds. Prevent any spray from contacting the crop, or injury will occur. For best results, make application to actively growing weeds up to 4” tall and rosettes less than 3” across.
  • clethodim (Select Max): PHI 21d, REI 24hr, Group 1. Apply 9-16 oz/A per application, only 1 application per year. Apply before bloom. Add 0.25% v:v nonionic surfactant (1 qt/100 gal of spray). Can also be used as a spot-spray by mixing 0.33-0.66% (0.44 to 0.85 oz/gal) Select Max and 0.25% v:v nonionic surfactant (0.33 oz/gal). Spray to wet, but do not allow runoff of spray solution.
  • glyphosate (Roundup PowerMax): PHI 7d, REI 4hr, Group 9. Apply 15 oz to 3.1 qts/A per application, multiple applications allowed per year. Do not exceed 5 qts/A per year. Rate based on target weed species. Can be applied during fallow intervals, prior to planting or transplanting, at planting, before crop has emerged, or as a spot treatment. Only 1 spot treatment application allowed per year. Do not combine spot treatment and preharvest applications on the same crop. Could cause injury when applied prior to transplanting or direct-seeding into plastic mulch. Remove residual product from plastic mulch with a 0.5” of water through irrigation or rainfall prior to planting.
  • imazamox (Raptor): REI 4h, Group 2. Apply up to 3 oz/A per application, only 1 application per year. Apply when peas are at least 3” tall but before 5 nodes or flowering. A nonionic surfactant must be added to the spray solution. Apply at least 1 hour before rainfall or overhead irrigation. Rate based on weed composition. For English peas, some varieties are more sensitive than others, and use may delay maturity or reduce crop growth, quality, or yield. Has not been tested on all varieties; crop tolerance should be verified before treating the entire field.
  • paraquat (Gramoxone SL 3.0*): REI 12h or 24h (based on application type), Group 22. Apply 1.3-2.7 pts/A per application, up to 3 applications allowed per year, a minimum of 7 days apart. Do not exceed 8 pts/A per year. Apply before, during, or after planting, but before emergence as a banded or broadcast application in a minimum of 10 gal/A of spray. Minimize soil disturbance when seeding. May be fatal if swallowed or inhaled. *Restricted use: Applicators must complete an EPA-approved paraquat training every 3 years: https://www.epa.gov/pesticide-worker-safety/paraquat-dichloride-training-certified-applicators.
  • pelargonic acid (Scythe): PHI 1d, REI 12h, Group 0. Apply a 3-10% solution (3-10 gal/100 gal). Rate based on target weed species. Apply in 75-200 gal/A of spray or with a spot sprayer until foliage is wet but not to the point of runoff. Repeat applications as necessary. Can apply for vegetative burndown during site preparation, prior to crop emergence from soil, as a directed and shielded spray during crop growth taking care to avoid contact with foliage and green tissue of crops, or after harvest.
  • quizalofop (Assure II): PHI 60d dry, 30d succulent, REI 12h, Group 1. Apply up to 4-12 oz/A per application, up to 2 applications allowed per year, a minimum of 7 days apart. Do not exceed 14 oz/A per year. Rate based on weed composition and growth stage. Apply with either crop oil concentrate or non-ionic surfactant. Do not apply when crop or weeds are under drought stress.
  • sethoxydim (Poast): PHI 30d dry, 15d succulent, REI 12h, Group 1. Apply up to 2.5 pt/A per application, multiple applications allowed per year, a minimum 14 days apart. Do not exceed 4 pt/A per year. Use with crop oil concentrate (2.0 pt/A) or methylated seed oil (1.5 pt/A). Crop oil can cause injury under hot and humid conditions. Can also be used as a spot-spray by mixing 1-1.5% (1.3-1.9 oz/gal) Poast and 1% v:v crop oil concentrate (1.3 oz/gal). Spray to wet, but do not allow runoff of spray solution.
Weed Control