Plants infected with this fungus are covered with a white powdery mold on the leaves, stems and pods. Infected plants are stunted and eventually die. The fungus is seed-borne. Optimum temperatures for development are between 68 and 75 degrees F. Soils should be kept as dry as possible yet will permit maximum growth. Avoid heavy application of fertilizer and rotate with non-related crops.
Powdery mildew is the most serious disease of English peas in Texas.
The bac- terium attacks all parts of the plant. Infected stems become olive brown in color, while the leaflets become yellowish or water-soaked. Young infected pods drop prematurely. Well formed pods become water-soaked. The bacterium is seed-borne.