The United States produces more than 1 million tons of succulent edible legumes annually with a production value of 600 million dollars. Approximately one half of all processed peas, snap beans, and lima beans are produced in the North Central Region. The production area for this region is primarily in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, Ohio, and in northern Illinois and Indiana. Fresh market snap beans and lima beans are also produced in the Midwest but on a lesser scale. (See table 1).
Table 1. Production data for succulent edible legumes, 2002.
| Lima beans (Fresh market) | Acres | Cwt | Value |
| US total | 7,200 | 202,000 | $5,861,000 |
| Snap beans (Fresh Market) | Acres | Cwt | Value |
| US total MI OH |
94,200 4,400 2,000 |
5,958,000
194,000 |
$273,173,000 |
| Lima beans (processed) | Acres | Tons | Value |
| US total | 51,100 | 66,900 | $30,710,000 |
| Snap beans (processed) | Acres | Tons | Value |
| US total IL IN MI MN WI |
225,100 22,400 6,200 9,000 16,700 73,100 |
831,260 62,300 17,860 32,000 60,030 317,070 |
$112,692,000 |
| Green peas (processed) | Acres | Tons | Value |
| US total MN WI |
228,500 80,500 42,100 |
386,770 98,370 67,230 |
$192,376,000 |
Peas
Peas are a cool season, annual crop planted in rotation with other processing crops such as potatoes, sweet corn, field corn, soybeans, and snap beans. Peas are members of the legume family and as such, they provide a good source of protein and can utilize atmospheric nitrogen for growth and development.
Plant growth habit may be either determinate or indeterminate, the latter producing a vining plant that flowers indefinitely and is often used in fresh market production. Most processing pea varieties however have a determinate growth habit to assure a uniform crop that is ready for a once-over, destructive harvest.
Peas require a well-drained, sandy to loamy soil that warms quickly in the spring to facilitate early planting. Crop rotation is necessary to prevent the build-up of root rot pathogens that can cause serious yield loss problems. Ideally, fields should be planted out of peas or other legumes for 7 years. Fields should have uniform fertility and have an adequate amount of organic matter to hold soil moisture and prevent drought. Phosphorus levels should be at least 50 ppm while potassium should be between 120-180 ppm with levels around 160 ppm being optimum. Although peas require adequate moisture, too much or too little reduces yield. An excess of soil moisture starves the root zone of oxygen so that normal root respiration cannot occur and nitrogen-fixing bacteria cannot function efficiently and root rot organisms become more destructive.
From mid to late season, peas do not compete well with weeds although some post emergence herbicide options exist. The best time to control weeds is before planting. Canada thistle is particularly troublesome because its flower buds are hard to remove from shelled peas and greatly reduce the pea grade. Eastern black and hairy nightshades also produces berries that can contaminate shelled peas, particularly in crops harvested after July 4, making nightshade another serious weed. Mustard pods can also present an increased contamination risk. Fields should be chosen based on the absence of major weed problems.
Peas typically follow corn in a rotation. They are sometimes planted in a double crop system whereby snap beans, soybeans, or winter wheat are planted mid-season, after the peas have been harvested.
Seedbeds are tilled to a depth of 4-5 inches early in the season. It is important not to overwork the soil or crusting will result, causing germination problems. Pea/soybean drills are used to plant peas and the seeding rate depends on the cultivar and is usually determined by the processor. Early and light-vined varieties such as Alsweet should have at least 672,000 plants per acre (9 plants per foot in 7 inch rows). Later peas, including Perfection or Freezer varieties, need a minimum population of 450,000 plants per acre (6 plants per foot in 7 inch rows). Full stands of vigorous plants provide the needed competition against weeds. Most seed for commercial planting is treated with a fungicide to protect the seed and seedling from root rotting fungi. Nitrogen-fixing bacteria may be put in the planter box along with the seed to provide inoculum, particularly if peas haven't been planted in a particular field for more than 5 years.
Peas are harvested approximately 3 weeks after full bloom. The optimum harvest time is when the pods are filled and the peas are still soft and immature. Degree day accumulation is used to determine when peas are ready to harvest. Pea cultivars mature once 1100- 1600 degree days using a base temperature of 40F have accumulated. A tenderometer is used to determine when the pea quality is optimum. All processing peas are harvested mechanically with a self-propelled combine that separate the peas from the vines.
Snap Beans
Snap beans are planted from May through August. Commercial growers will stagger planting dates to allow adequate time to harvest the crop over several weeks late in the summer. Seeds are typically planted l - 2 inches deep and plants are seeded at 8-12 plants/foot. Rows are typically spaced 18- 36 inches apart. The recommended density for planting is 50- 70 pounds of seed/acre or approximately 90- 115,000 plants/acre. Seeds will germinate 6-12 days after planting with temperatures of 65- 85 degrees F. Beans mature in 50- 60 days and can be harvested 20- 25 days after plants flower. Pods will be bright green and fleshy and contain small, white seeds. Later harvests result in high fiber, larger seed, and rougher skinned pods.
Snap beans thrive in silt-loam fields with good soil structure and internal drainage. Fields that are crusted over are less than ideal for snap bean production. Snap beans grow quickly with adequate moisture and nutrients. The crop requires 1-1.5 inches of water every 4-5 days for ideal growth. Common soil amendments used in snap bean production are: nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and lime. Snap beans can be grown in acidic soils where lime has been added to maintain soil pH of 6- 6.8. Beans do well in neutral-slightly acidic soils. Nitrogen is recommended as a pre-plant treatment where fields have < 3% organic matter and/or were not planted in soybean, alfalfa, or grass-legume hay crops during the previous year. When nitrogen is to be added, the recommended rate is 40 lbs./A when <3% OM and 40-80 lbs./A for fields previously planted into corn, rye, oats, wheat, or vegetables. Recommended rates of phosphorus and potassium are 0- 75 lbs./A and 0- 100 lbs./A, respectively.
Lima Beans
Lima beans are usually planted from mid May until mid June in the Midwest (slightly earlier in IL), after the soil temperature has warmed to 65 degrees and remains stable at this temperature. Seeding rates vary from 60- 100 pounds per acre. Lima beans are planted in rows or drilled (similar to soybeans). Lima beans are more drought tolerant than most crops, but are sensitive to plant moisture needs from flower set through pod fill.
Many factors influence lima bean yields, but weather conditions that affect flower bud development, pollination, and pod maturation have the most impact on yields. Low lima bean yields are associated with profuse abscission of flowers and developing pods. High temperatures, low relative humidity, and low soil moisture lead to reduced pod set and retention. Temperatures of 90 degrees Fahrenheit or above reduce pollination and pod set. Prolonged drought (7 days or more with less than 1 inch of water) also negatively affects yield. Fogs, heavy dews, and their moderating effects on temperature are helpful in pollination and pod set. High night temperatures also adversely affect yields, because energy is consumed through respiration, thereby limiting the plants physiological ability to set and retain pods.
The pH of the soil should be adjusted to 5.8 to 6.5. On most soil types, a pH in this range provides the optimum availability of plant nutrients. A pH of 6.5 to 7.0 will generally not be detrimental to lima bean yields, although manganese deficiencies could occur on sandy soils at a pH higher than 6.5. Liming to reach a pH of 6.5 or greater is unnecessary.
Baby lima beans may be planted as early as May 15 and as late as July 15. Fordhook lima beans cannot be planted after July 10, because their long maturity will not escape frost at the later dates. The earliest plantings are subject to reduced stand due to cold soils. Minimum soil temperature for best germination is 65 degrees. The latest plantings must mature before frost, hence early-maturing varieties must be planted after July 10. The optimum range is May 30 to July 10. Early plantings that mature in August and early September are subject to reduced yields from heat and drought.
Research completed in the `50s, `60s, and early `70s in Delaware indicated a positive response from irrigation, especially on lighter, sandy soils. However, temperatures above 90 degrees can override the possible benefits of irrigation by causing blossoms to drop. Growers face the management decision of what crops offer the best potential return under irrigation. However, there is little doubt than even in late-season conditions, irrigation reduces risks and offers better yield potential than non-irrigated conditions.
Pea Aphid (Acyrthosiphon pisum)
Biology and life cycle:
The pea aphid is a small, green aphid approximately ¼ inch long and one-third as wide. Nymphs resemble adults except for their smaller size and lack of wings. Eyes are red and their legs and cornicles may be tipped with yellow.
The pea aphid overwinters as eggs on plant tissue of alfalfa, clover, leguminous weeds, and other leguminous plants. The following spring, the eggs hatch into wingless females which give rise to the next generation of aphids without engaging in sexual reproduction. In late May or June when the first cutting of alfalfa takes place, winged adults migrate into pea fields. As the season progresses and peas no longer provide adequate food supplies for aphid populations, winged forms again appear and migrate back to alfalfa. Late in the season male aphids are produced and sexual reproduction occurs. Black eggs are laid on the stems and leaves of alfalfa plants for overwintering.
Distribution and importance:
The pea aphid is a sporadic, economically-important insect pest of peas. Wilting, stunting and chlorosis are commonly associated with aphid feeding particularly when insect populations are high. In addition to the direct injury to pods caused by feeding activity, the pea aphid is a vector of several virus diseases of peas. Also, aphids excrete a sticky substance called honeydew. Sooty molds or other fungi which grow on honeydew-covered plant parts may lead to harvesting problems. A regional problem where there are forage legumes (Wisconsin) 25% of region has a problem - 1 out of 10 have some economic level. Could be a serious problem without insecticides. Pea aphids are both a quality and yield loss issue. Weather patterns make a difference (more rain, less problem).
Non-chemical controls:
Chemical Controls:
Pyrethroids:
Insect Contaminants of Peas:
There are many insect species that are potential contaminants of processed peas; however the six species listed below are the most common. Although they typically do not pose a threat in terms of direct yield loss, contamination by any one of these insects poses a serious quality issue and can result in a processor rejecting the crop from an entire field.
Cabbage Looper (Trichoplusia ni)
The cabbage looper is a potential contaminant in late-season peas. Adults are greyish-brown moths with a wing span of 1½ ". The caterpillar (larva) is up to 1½ " long, with a greenish body that tapers at the head end. Cabbage loopers don't overwinter in large numbers in the Midwest, but migrate in from southern states in mid-July through September. Pupae overwintering in the southern US give rise to the first generation adults in spring. Once these migrants reach Wisconsin, Minnesota, and adjacent states, they mate and lay eggs singly on the lower leaf surfaces in July. Larvae mature through 5 successively larger instars over the next 4-5 weeks before pupating. Adults emerge in 10-14 days, and mate and lay eggs which give rise to the second generation.
Alfalfa Looper (Autographa californica)
The alfalfa looper caterpillars may range in color from light to dark green, and may reach 1¼" in length. They pose a risk of contamination throughout the entire growing season. Adult moths are silvery-grey with a darker fringe along the wing edges. The alfalfa looper overwinters as an adult moth which emerges when temperatures warm to 40F in the spring. After mating, females lay from 500-1500 small, white eggs on wild crucifers. The eggs hatch within a week, and larvae are active for two weeks before pupating and giving rise to the next generation of adults.
Celery Looper (Anagrapha falcifera)
Celery loopers are late season contaminants in peas. This is another moth with greyish-brown forewings and a patch of rust-colored scales outlined by silver. Larvae resemble that of the previous two pests ranging in color from light to dark green. At maturity, larvae are 1¼" long. The celery looper overwinters as pupae in the soil. When springtime temperatures reach 50-55 F, adult moths emerge and seek out host plants on which to lay their eggs. There are three generations per year.
Alfalfa Caterpillar (Plathypena scabra)
The adult alfalfa caterpillar is a sulfur-yellow butterfly with distinct black markings along the margins of both the fore- and hind-wings. Larvae are dark brown, becoming green once they begin to feed. At maturity the larvae are 1½ " long. The alfalfa caterpillar overwinters as pupae on alfalfa plants. In the spring, adults emerge, mate and lay between 200-500 eggs singly on the lower leaf surface of alfalfa leaves. The larvae complete their development within two weeks of egg hatch at which time they enter the pupal stage without spinning a cocoon. There are two generations per year.
Imported Cabbageworm (Pieris papae)
The adult imported cabbageworm is a white butterfly with a 2 inch wingspan. Bullet-shaped, yellow-orange eggs are laid on the leaves of host plants. Newly hatched larvae are yellow in color but become green once they begin to feed. Larvae have 5 pair of abdominal prolegs. The pupa is grey-brown with 2 angular projections at the head end. The imported cabbageworm overwinters as pupae. Adult butterflies emerge in late April or early May. The first generation eggs are laid on the leaves of cruciferous weeds. These eggs hatch in about one week, and in another 2 weeks, the larvae have completed development and pupate yielding the second generation adults one to two weeks later.
Armyworm (Pseudaletic unipunctata)
These sand-colored moths have a wing span of 1½ " with definitive white dots in the center of each forewing, and dark markings on the hind wings. The brownish-green larvae are hairless, and about 2 inches long when fully grown. Pupae are dark brown and approximately ¾" in length. The armyworm moths usually appear in late April and early May. After mating, clusters of greenish-white eggs are laid. Larvae emerge 7-10 days after the eggs are laid and feed for 3-4 weeks. The full-grown larvae pupate for an additional two weeks and emerge as adults. There are three generations per season, with each generation lasting 5-6 weeks.
Colorado Potato Beetles (Leptinotarsa decemlineata)
Colorado potato beetles overwinter as adults in the soil, often at field margins. Adults become active in the spring. Females will lay up to 500 bright yellow eggs in clusters of 15-25 on the lower leaf surfaces before dying. Eggs hatch in 4-9 days and larvae begin feeding immediately. After passing through four instars over the course of 2-3 weeks, larvae return to the soil to pupate. Within 10-14 days, adult beetles emerge. There are 1-2 generations per year in northern states and 3-5 generations in the south. Only a pest on volunteer potato or certain weeds in peas.
Brown Stink bug (e.g. Euschistus servus)
The brown stink bug's size is approximately that of the shelled peas. Adult stink bugs are shield-shaped and brown in color. Immatures are called nymphs and resemble the adults except for their smaller size and lack of wings. Brightly-colored, barrel-shaped eggs are laid in clusters on the lower leaf surface.
Distribution and Importance:
Sporadically important on all fields (100% acres). Not a yield issue - a contaminant issue only. Down graded product is the result. 80% of acres are treated annually to prevent contamination. 5-10% of packs are downgraded despite treatment. Contamination of the processed product is both a consumer acceptance issue and an issue of government regulation controlling levels of acceptable contamination.
Chemical Control:
Non-chemical controls:
European Corn Borer (Ostrinia nubilalis Hübner)
Biology and Life Cycle:
Larvae feed on the interior of plant stems and bean pods. European corn borers overwinter as larvae and emerge as adults starting in June and continuing through August as two distinct generations are typically observed. Adults have wingspans of 1 inch; females are pale-yellow in color while the males are a darker brown. Adults are active at night.
Distribution and Importance:
85% of acres are treated with 2-3% loss on these acres. The most significant pest, there would be 100% loss on the 85% of acres without treatment.
Non-chemical Controls:
Chemical Controls:
Corn Earworm (Helicoverpa zea Boddie)
Life Cycle and Biology:
Corn earworm, similar to European corn borer, is usually found in sweet corn. However, the insect can be attracted to snap bean, as well. Higher pressure can be found in late season beans (both) after area corn is drying down and the beans are the most succulent crop to be found. Adults originate from the southern U.S. because they are a major pest of cotton and are unable to overwinter in northern climates. Adults are 0.75-1 inch long with a wingspan of 1.5-2.0 inches and are tan/buff colored. Adult females lay eggs on foliage, eggs hatch in 5-7 days, and larvae pass through six instars before pupating. Larvae can posses green, tan, pink, dark brown or black coloration and inhabit stems and/or pods. Leaf buds from newly emerging leaves may also be eaten.
Distribution and Importance:
Proper timing of insecticide applications is critical as there are no control options once larvae enter the protective covering of the stem or pod. In addition to reducing pod quality, heavy infestations have been shown to reduce yield. This pest can be serious in lima beans. Feeding damage from one large corn earworm can cause a loss of 30 to 40 lima beans. Northern Indiana, Illinois, Southern MI and Southern Ontario have a severe problem. 50% of acres have economic population level with 2-3% quality loss even with treatment. If no treatment was available loses would be about 50%. This pest is controlled when corn borer insecticide applications are made.
Chemical Control:
Biological Controls:.
Naturally occurring parasites, predators and disease can play an important role in controlling the corn earworm. Therefore, the use of an economic threshold becomes critical, A fungal disease present during cool, moist periods in September can help to reduce corn earworm populations. Caution: These natural controls often do not work quick enough to prevent losses in lima bean yield and quality during years of heavy population pressure.
Cultural: None indicated.
Stinkbug and Lygus Bug Species
Biology and Life Cycle:
Immature and adult insect feed on growing points, buds, flowers, and pin stage fruit. These insects can inject a toxin that results in wilting, pod abortion, and fruit loss.
Distribution and Importance::
A primary pest of snap and lima bean production. Yield losses can occur from adults or nymphs feeding on the blossoms resulting in blossom abortion. However, the primary losses occur for processors when feeding damage occurs on pin stage beans. These feeding scars can result in the loss of an entire load with significant economic loss to the processor.
Chemical Controls:
Biological controls: None indicated.
Cultural controls: None
Spider Mites
Biology and Life Cycle:
Mites are a secondary pest to bean production. Mites feed on sap, especially on the underside of the leaves. In large populations they can severely decrease plant yield. Mite populations increase greatly under hot, dry conditions. Larvae hatch from eggs and begin feeding on leaves in 3 to 19 days. Mites can produce several generations each season and take from 5 to 20 days to mature to adults.Distribution and Importance. Spider mites can be a problem, especially during hot, dry weather. Damage will generally first appear in late June and early July as a white stippling on the leaves with eventual plant death if economic levels go undetected. They are primarily found on the undersides of leaves causing the leaves to appear tan or yellow in color. Mites feed on the plant sap and can defoliate fields in a few weeks in hot, dry weather. Defoliated plants will produce poor yields and quality beans. Although not documented in beans, resistance has been documented with these products in other crops.
Chemical Controls:
Biological Controls: None
Cultural Controls: None
Seed Corn Maggot (Delia platura)
Biology and Life Cycle:
Seed corn maggots are the larval form of small flies. Maggots feed on germinating seeds and are more prevalent during cool, wet summers. Seed corn maggots are attracted to rotting plant debris, recently manured, or recently plowed fields. It is good practice to plow under winter cover early in the spring. Removing plant debris also decreases egg-laying sites. Later planting dates and shallow seeding depths encourage fast and early germination, which also shortens the time seed is susceptible to corn seed maggot feeding and damage. Additionally, seeds should be handled carefully so they do not develop cracks as they encourage seed corn maggot damage
Distribution and Importance:
Chemical Controls:
Biological controls: None
Non-Chemical methods:
Potato Leafhoppers (Empoasca fabae Harris)
Biology and Life Cycle:
Leafhoppers are approximately 1/8 inch in length and can be green, light brown or grayish in color.
They inflict damage with their piercing-sucking mouth parts which, in extreme cases, cause foliage to discolor and die. Eggs are deposited inside plant tissue as opposed to on the surface. The larvae go through a total of five nymph stages, and all of the stages including the adults, feed on the sap. Examples of damage include: stripping the plant of its nutrients, transmitting viruses and the feeding damage itself. Plants appear yellow and stunted, with the typical "hopper burn" damage on the tips of the leaves.
Distribution and Importance:
Both yields and plant maturity can be affected by leafhopper feeding from the seedling to pre-bud stage. Once pods are present, economic damage is less likely to occur. 100% acres are infested, with 5-10% loss in spite of treatment. Multiple applications may be required. 50% loss of yield if acres weren't treated. Migrate into the Midwest every year.
Chemical Control:
Biological Controls: None
Cultural Controls:
Bean Leaf Beetle (Cerotoma trifurcata)
Biology and Life Cycle:
Bean leaf beetles are red, orange, tan, or gray with dots or strips on their backs. The adults overwinter in leaf debris in wooded areas next to fields and have a characteristic black triangle behind their thorax. Adults emerge in the spring and lay eggs in the soil. Upon hatching, larvae feed on the parts of the plant that are under the soil for 3-6 weeks. They will pupate and emerge as adults one week later in mid July. These adults will mate and lay eggs and a second generation will occur in September. The second generation will overwinter.
Distribution and Importance:
Adults inflict the most severe damage by feeding on the underside of leaves and pods making small round holes. Beetles can clip off entire pods if feeding occurs at the base of the pod and other tissue damage on pods allows moisture to enter which allows disease to enter which causes mold, discoloration, and shrunken pods. Serious problem in regional areas in snap beans with areas further north having less of a problem. In areas where it's a problem it is found in 100% of the fields. Losses with treatment would be 10-15%. Without treatment, there is a window between generations, but outside that would be 75% loss.
Chemical Control:
Biological Control: None
Cultural Controls: None available
Mexican Bean Beetle (Epilachna varivestis)
These beetles are ¼ inch long and copper brown in color. In addition, they possess eight black spots on each wing. Mexican bean beetle adults overwinter in plant debris and as such, it is very important manage crop debris to minimize infestations. Upon plant emergence, beetles will move from their winter shelters and begin feeding on the underside of the leaves only, leaving the top-side intact. Larvae also feed on foliage, but the damage creates a lace like appearance on the leaves.
Distribution and Importance:
This species is most common in the southern region of the Midwest. With a heavy infestation, beetles will also feed on stems and pods, sometimes killing the host plant,
Chemical Control:
Cultural Controls:
Biological controls:.
Soybean Aphids (e.g. Aphis fabae)
Biology and Life Cycle:
Aphids are small, green, yellow, or black colored insects that can be either winged or wingless.
They reproduce both sexually and asexually. During the summer months, reproduction occurs asexually by females who produce live offspring. At the end of the season, as fall approaches, females and males will reproduce sexually. Eggs produced by male/female mating will overwinter in the host crop.
Distribution and Importance:
Aphids inflict damage with their piercing-sucking mouthparts making leaves curl and appear wilted due to the honeydew (waste) substance they excrete. Aphids have not previously caused much damage to snap beans in the Midwest. However, recent infestations in the Midwest indicate that the incidence of several bean viruses may be increasing. Many of these are vectored by aphids. Soybean aphid does not reproduce on beans.
Chemical Controls:
Cultural Controls: Control buckthorn. Early planting of beans.
Biological Controls: None
Bean Aphid
Biology and Life Cycle:
The black bean aphid overwinters in the egg stage on euonymus shrubs and migrates to weed hosts in the spring. Movement from weed host to lima beans generally occurs in June. Aphids are found on the undersurface of leaves and on the terminal buds. Infested plants appear yellow with puckered foliage. Feeding damage results in bud and blossom abortion. A dark sooty mold also grows on the honeydew excreted by the aphids resulting in reduced photosynthesis and reduced yields.
Distribution and Importance:
A pest of secondary importance to edible legumes throughout the region.
Chemical Control:
Biological Controls: None.
Cultural Controls: None.
Green Cloverworm (Plathypena scabra)
Biology and Life Cycle:
The green cloverworm moth is dark brown and about one inch long. The head is elongated slightly into a pointed snout caused by protruding palps that are associated with the mouthparts. When sitting the moths form a triangular or inverted V shape. The green cloverworm feeds primarily on legumes. The caterpillar is slender and green with two thin white stripes on each side. The full caterpillar is about one inch long.
Distribution and Importance:
They feed on foliage and also cause damage to the pods. Most years the caterpillars are decimated by fungal disease that keeps their numbers low. The green cloverworm overwinters as pupae and go through 2-3 generations per year.
Chemical Controls:
Cultural Controls:
Biological Control: None
Non Chemical Disease Control
Rotation of pea crops with non legume crops is essential to control such soil borne diseases as common root rot and Fusarium wilt. Other diseases such as Ascochyta leaf blight and anthracnose are easily controlled if peas are rotated with non legume crops such as small grains, corn or non legume vegetable crops. Use of a 3-5 year rotation will be helpful in the long term health of a field. Prior to planting a field to peas, a soil sample representative of the field should be evaluated for root rot potential. Establishing the risk of root rot before planting helps growers to avoid the high risk fields and more profitably grow peas in fields at low risk from common root rot. Pea breeders are investing time and money in the development of cultivars with resistance to key pea diseases. It is possible to purchase cultivars with resistance to some virus and fungal pathogens. While resistance to root rot has been particularly elusive, breeders continue work toward the goal of developing improved levels of resistance to common root rot.
Critical Disease Control Issues
Developing improved resistance to common root rot is the highest priority for the pea industry. There are few fungicides registered for use on peas other than captan and thiram. Loss of either or both of these materials through FQPA enforcement would have an enormous impact on the pea industry.
Biology and Life Cycle:
Aphanomyces root rot is a soil-borne fungus capable of infecting pea plants at all stages of growth. The fungus produces such a large number of spores that it can be readily disseminated over large areas through movement of water and in contaminated soil carried from one field to another by farm implements and machinery. Warm temperatures (72-82F) and high soil moisture favor disease development and symptom expression. Infection usually occurs at the time of crop emergence. Initial symptoms appear as long, soft, water-soaked areas on the surface of the lower stem and roots. As the disease progresses, these discolored areas become light tan and spread over the entire root system. Plants that are infected while very young are stunted and weakened. Pods on infected plants may have only one or two peas and these are inclined to be large and irregularly shaped. Peas of this type are usually poor in quality. In severe cases, infected plants wilt, turn yellow, shrivel and die prematurely.
Distribution and Importance:
Aphanomyces is the most important pea disease in the Midwest and is widely distributed in the Midwest. Annual yield losses of 10% have been observed and in some fields,100% loss may be realized. The disease not only destroys individual vines, but also reduces the quality of shelled peas by making them irregular in size, variable in harvesting maturity, and lacking in sugar content. Fields infested with Aphanomyces may remain unsuitable for planting susceptible crops for up to 10 years. Weather driven, related to moisture.
Chemical Control (seed treatments):
Non - Chemical Control:
Biology and Life Cycle:
The fungus overwinters in infected plant debris and is spread by rain or irrigation water. Consequently, wet weather favors disease outbreaks. Symptoms appear as small, purple spots with distinct margins on leaves, stems and pods that later become black in color. Pod lesions may be somewhat sunken and reduce the quality of the pea seed within.
Distribution and Importance:
Ascochyta is an occasional, economically-important disease of late-season peas grown in the Midwest. It is less of a problem when fields are mold board plowed but can be a challenge in minimum tillage. Diseased peas become inedible.
Chemical Control (seed treatment):
Non-Chemical Control:
Biology and Life Cycle:
Fusarium is a destructive disease of peas that attacks plants of all ages and reduces yields by killing the plants before they mature. The fungus overwinters as resting spores in the upper soil layers where it can survive indefinitely. In the spring, the fungus invades the root system of developing pea plants. It may be carried on seed to other fields. The fungus does not appear to be sensitive to soil moisture levels or alkalinity, although the incidence of wilt is slightly greater where the soil is moderate in moisture content. Plants can become infected at any stage of development from the youngest seedlings to mature vines. The first signs of disease are pale leaflets and downward curling of stipules and leaflets. Leaves of infected plants wilt, beginning with the lower leaves and progressing upward. The entire plant eventually wilts, and the stem shrivels. Pod formation is usually reduced, and seeds rarely develop in affected pods.
Distribution and Importance:
Chemical Control:
Non - Chemical Control:
Biology and Life Cycle:
The fungus can live indefinitely in the soil and is disseminated by any means that moves infested soil from one area to another. Infection occurs directly through intact plant tissue. As seedlings age, they become less susceptible to attack. Disease development is temperature dependent and is most severe when soil surface. temperatures are between 75-85 F. Because sandy soils warm up relatively rapidly, Rhizoctonia seedling blight is often more serious on these soils. The browning of stems and death of very young pea seedlings is the most common above-ground symptom. Up to ½ inch of the terminal shoot is affected just as it emerges through the soil and before the leaves expand. Often one or two auxiliary shoots arise from the seed within a few days after the first shoot dies back. These auxiliary shoots also may become infected or they may produce a normal, but late plant.
Distribution and Importance:
Rhizoctonia is an occasional disease of peas and is generally considered to be of minor importance. Seedling emergence is delayed which can cause problems. More of a problem in sandy soils. A 15% loss will occur on 33 percent of delayed emergence fields.
Chemical Control:
Non - Chemical Control:.
Biology and Life Cycle:
Early symptoms include discolored spots on the upper leaf surface that later become powdery in appearance as they enlarge. Small, oval, black fruiting bodies may be seen in older lesions. Dry weather favors disease development. Drought stress also accelerates disease development by stressing the host plant. The pathogen that causes powdery mildew is seed-borne and therefore the use of disease-free seed is recommended to prevent infection. Sulfur fungicides are useful in protecting healthy foliage in infected fields.
Distribution and Importance:
Powdery Mildew is rarely economically important to the pea crop.
Chemical Controls:
Non-chemical Controls:
Biology and Life Cycle:
Downy mildew develops when night temperatures are relatively low and fogs or prolonged periods of dew are prevalent. The symptoms of downy mildew first appear on the lower leaf surface as fluffy, white to grey patches of the fungus. These patches often turn darker with age. On the upper side of the foliage there are yellow to brown areas with indistinct margins. The disease may appear on the pods without foliar infection. Young pods are particularly susceptible. Several yellow-brown diseased areas of indefinite size and shape are apparent in pod infections. On the inside of the pod, opposite the outer diseased area, there may be a white, felt-like growth of the pod endocarp. Peas developing near these areas remain small and may have brown, sunken spots.
Distribution and Importance:
Downy Mildew is a common and troublesome pea disease where peas are grown under cool, moist conditions. In most of the pea-growing areas of the US, the disease is present during the early part of the growing season but is seldom of economic importance.
Chemical Controls: None listed
Non-Chemical Controls: None listed
Biology and Life Cycle:
Damping off is caused primarily by soilborne fungi. Damping off before emergence results from fungal attack of germinating seed and/or young seedlings while they are still in the ground. Infected seeds may fail to germinate, become soft and mushy and finally disintegrate. Slightly water-soaked lesions may be visible on stems of young seedlings. Infected areas enlarge quite rapidly, and seedlings may die shortly after infection, prior to emergence from soil. Roots or stems of seedlings that have already emerged also can be attacked at or below the soil line resulting in damping-off. Infected roots are usually discolored or rotted and sometimes reddish brown lesions develop on the tap root. Infected stem tissues are soft and colorless to dark-brown. Basal portions of invaded stems may be much thinner than the areas above the lesion, a condition called "wire-stem", resulting in the seedling falling over and dying.
Distribution and Importance:
Damping-off disease of seedlings is widely distributed all over the world. It affects seeds, seedlings, and older plants of almost all kinds of vegetables, flowers, cereals, and fruit and forest trees. The greatest damage is done to the seed and seedling roots during germination either before or after emergence. Significant losses may occur to susceptible varieties, especially if cool, wet weather conditions prevail for the first few weeks after seedling and then are followed by hot, dry weather. Damping-off is a major cause of poor stand establishments in bean plantings. Older plants may also be attacked by these fungi. Later infections are usually confined to roots, which may result in stunting, wilting, or plant death.
Cultural Controls:
Do not grow beans continually in the same location. A 4-5 year rotation is desirable, avoiding fields known to be heavily infested with root-rot fungi. Plant beans only on well drained soils. Delay planting until the soil is warm (above 65 F) and seed shallow to insure rapid emergence. Avoid planting seeds to close together. Do not over fertilize, especially with nitrogen. To diagnose bean root rots, suspected plants should be carefully dug up and washed.
Chemical Controls:
Biology and Life Cycle:
In root rot of beans the tap roots of the young plants at first show a slightly reddish discoloration. This later becomes darker red to brown and larger, more or less covering the taproot and the stem below the soil line without a definite margin, or appearing as streaks extending up to the soil line. Longitudinal fissures appear along the main root, while the small lateral roots are killed. Plant growth is generally retarded and in dry weather the leaves may turn yellow and even fall off. Sometimes infected plants develop secondary roots and a large number of rootlets just below the soil line. These roots, under favorable conditions, may be sufficient to carry the plant to maturity and to production of a fairly good crop. In many cases the infected plants decline and die with or without wilt symptoms.
Distribution and Importance:
Widespread, would happen every year if treatment didn't occur. About 7% of yield is lost every year (due to stand loss). A cold spell after planting increases disease severity and sandy soils may lose 20-30% of stands. Aerial pythium - 10% of fields annually seeing 25% loss after a heavy pounding rain (splash effect). It has become a problem in last few years. Some varietal differences do exist.
Non-chemical Controls:
Do not grow beans continually in the same location. A 4-5 year rotation is desirable, avoiding fields known to be heavily infested with root/stem-rot fungi. Plant beans only on well drained soils. Delay planting until the soil is warm(above 65 F) and seed shallow to insure rapid emergence. To diagnose bean root rots, suspected plants should be carefully dug up and washed. Cultivate - throw soil up around roots, fertilizer, don't irrigate 3-5 days after planting. Assay to assess risk. After harvest, kill plants promptly to reduce inoculum. Non-legume cover crops are an important component of crop rotations.
Chemical Controls:
Biology and Life Cycle:
Bean plants in all stages of growth are subject to anthracnose. The fungus is often present in or on the seed produced in infected pods. Infected seed may show yellowish to brown sunken lesions of various sizes. When infected seeds are planted, many of the germinating seedlings are killed before emergence. Dark brown, sunken lesions with pink mass of spores in the center are often present on the cotyledons of young seedlings. The fungus may kill one or both of the cotyledons, while its spores spread onto the hypocotyl and the mycelium moves into the stem. On the stem the fungus produces numerous small, shallow, reddish-brown specks that subsequently enlarge, become elongated and finally sunken. The lesions are covered with myriads of pink- to rust- colored spores. If conditions are humid, the lesions may be so numerous that they girdle and weaken the stem to the point where it cannot support the top of the plant. The fungus also attacks the petioles and the veins of the underside of the leaves, on which it causes long, dark, brick-red to purplish colored lesions that later turn dark brown to almost black. On pods , small, flesh- to rust- colored elongated lesions appear, which later become sunken, circular, and about 5-8 mm in diameter. Lesions developing on young pods may extend through the pod and even to the seed, while in older pods the lesions do not extend beyond the pod. As the pod matures, the margin of the lesions is generally slightly raised, while the pink spore masses of the lesions dry down to gray, brown, or black granulations or to small pimple-like protrusions.
Distribution and Importance:
Glomerella Anthracnose disease is present wherever their hosts are grown and are more severe in warm to cool, humid areas and are generally not a problem under dry conditions.
Cultural Controls:
Control damping off and wirestem in the greenhouse and field seedbeds by using sanitized media and containers and avoiding overwatering. Whenever possible use disease free seeds, although infected seeds can be treated by hot water. Planting seeds on raised beds with good aeration between plants can decrease occurrence. A three year crop rotation will reduce infection rates.
Chemical Controls:
Non-Chemical Control: No information available
Biology and Life Cycle:
Gray mold is a disease caused by the fungus Botrytis cinerea and can infect all vegetable transplants at any stage of growth resulting in irregular brown spotting or blight of leaves and stem cankers. Key disease of lima beans, especially after the peak temperatures of the season and under wet fall conditions. Under humid conditions, Botrytis produces gray and powdery propagules (conidia) on diseased plant parts that can be transported on air currents to cause disease on nearby healthy plants. Gray Mold can be prevalent during cloudy periods in the spring when conditions in the greenhouse are humid and foliage remains wet for an extended period of time. The fungus that causes gray mold requires a film of water to penetrate the plant.
Distribution and Importance: Information not provided.
Cultural Controls: No information available
Chemical Controls:
Biology and Life Cycle:
White mold is caused by the fungus Sclerotinia sclerotiorum. It is a fungus that is highly distributed throughout the U.S. and attacks many vegetable and field crops. Small black, hard bodies called sclerotia are produced on and in the stems and pods of infected plants. At harvest the sclerotia are scattered over the soil surface, but below the surface they can lie dormant for up to five years. Sclerotia serve as sources in the year following the one in which they were produced. They germinate to form stems which can be up to 3cm long. After the stems reach the soil surface they are stimulated by light to form another structure, the apothecium, at their tips. These produce ascospores which are discharged into the air and can travel as far as one-half of a mile before landing on plant parts such as leaves or flowers. Ascospores are the source of nearly all the infections seen in beans. They normally only infect dead or dying plant material, especially aging flowers. Wounds by hail or cultivation are sites of infection. Infection of healthy pods, leaves and stems generally results from an infected flower that has fallen onto or come in contact with other plant tissues. Shortly after infection white masses of mold appear on infected tissues and black sclerotia begin to form in these areas within the stems, thus completing the life cycle. Secondary spread down rows occurs when infected plant tissues come into contact with health tissues. The fungus will often girdle the main stem or its branches causing the plant or plant parts to wilt and die. The leaves turn bright yellow and then brown. Infected pods become soft and mushy, but later dry out and are light colored and shriveled.
Distribution and Importance:
Widely distributed in the midwest. Losses occur under conditions of high humidity and abundant rainfall in fields with heavy vine growth. Less damage is seen in the varieties with an upright bush habit than in older vine-type varieties. The more open growth habit of bush-type varieties reduces the time that soils are excessively wet and leaves and flowers are covered with free water. 60% of the acres that bloom after August 15. Not as much a problem in Central Illinois.
Non-chemical Controls:
Chemical Controls:
Chemical Controls:
A new race "E" is the main problem in some bean production areas. Resistant strains to this race are not yet available. Conditions favorable for disease development: >1.2 inches rain/7 days + average daily temperatures < 78oF (25.6oC). Periods of fog or heavy dew lower the amount of rainfall necessary for infection. If a period of 90oF occurs, the cycle is broken and an additional 7 day period with the above weather conditions is necessary to start infection.
Distribution and Importance: Information not provide
Chemical Controls: Information not provided
Non-Chemical Controls: None listed
Biology and Life Cycle:
Caused by a rod-shaped gram -negative bacteria. Overwinters in weeds such as hairy vetch and other perennials that remain green throughout the winter. In wet weather, diseased plant leaves may be covered with bacterial exudate, which is splashed to healthy tissue by rain or irrigation. Enters the plant through stomata or injuries. Optimum temperature for disease development is 60-90 degrees F. Disease is worse when there is excessive rain, long periods of leaf wetness, or wind or hail damage. Have to have 1 million bacterium per leaf to have inoculation.
Distribution and Importance:
Rarely kills the affected plant. In severe infestation all foliage may be destroyed and yields reduced. More of an issue with pod quality as it distorts and blemishes pods. 20% to 30% of acres affected each year and lower value by >20% because of early harvest. Weather and variety response. Storms cause damage to crop making it more susceptible. Not economically important on lima beans
Non-Chemical Controls:
Chemical Controls:
Mosaic virus disease outbreaks in peas can result in economic loss, but this is usually not the case. The pea mosaic viruses survive between crops in weeds and ornamental plants. In the spring, pea and potato aphids (Acyrthosiphon pisum & Macrosiphon euphorbiae) acquire the viruses as they feed on these infected plants. As the winged aphids migrate, the viruses are spread to the peas. Symptom expression usually occurs 10-13 days following inoculation. In years with mild winters and dry springs, aphids can survive in larger numbers and the likelihood of virus infection is increased.
Bean yellow mosaic virus is characterized by a yellow mottling on the stipules and leaves between the veins. Patches of normal green tissue of various sizes are scattered irregularly over the surfaces of both leaves and stipules. Plants become stunted if they are infected when young. The upper leaves and stipules become wrinkled and twisted or otherwise malformed. Pods may be fewer and smaller than normal. Severity of symptoms depends on the pea cultivar and environment.
Pea enation mosaic causes blister-like outgrowths from the lower leaf surface and pods. Scattered chlorotic areas may be apparent on the foliage. As the chlorosis progresses, a translucent 'window' may appear. Infected pods are severely deformed.
Red clover vein mosaic virus infections result in extremely stunted plants with veins cleared and a proliferation of axillary buds. The most conspicuous symptom is the brown to purple streaks that develop on pea stems. Barren pods may develop brown or purple spots.
Pea streak virus infection can kill seedlings of most pea cultivars. Plants infected later in the season exhibit leaf and stem spots and streaks that yellow the vascular system. Pod symptoms include spots and sunken lesions.
Distribution and importance:
Alfalfa mosaic and cucumber mosaic are most important and can affect >30% of acres in the Midwest with annual average yield losses of 10-20%. Alfalfa mosaic may infest 30% of late plantings and cucumber mosaic 60% of late plantings. Alfalfa mosaic also affects lima beans. Virus severity correlates with annual distribution and activity of soybean aphid -they are known vectors. Not a problem in central Illinois yet. An issue of growing significance
Non-chemical controls:
Chemical Control:
Non-chemical Weed Management Strategies
Non-chemical weed management practices that are beneficial are high plant populations, early planting dates, and crop rotation. At the high planting rates, the crop has better competitive abilities against weeds. For peas, early planting can aid weed suppression because as a cool season crop, they emerge prior to some of the weeds. This improves the pea's competitive ability against weeds. Crop rotation may reduce weed density during the year prior to peas or beans. Cultivation, where practical, is not a weed control option because the peas are drilled in narrow rows. Killing weeds immediately prior to planting is important to prevent weeds from emerging before the crop. Weeds that emerge before the crop are much more competitive than late emerging weeds.
Critical Weed Control Issues
Broadleaf weed control, especially eastern black nightshade and Canada thistle control, is not as
good as desired because the available herbicides often injure pea and bean plants. Despite such
shortcomings in controlling certain weeds, there are no major crises in weed management as long as the
current herbicide registrations, and the Section 18 for Reflex) are maintained. A key point is the lack of
alternative herbicides to any current products due to either herbicide resistance or discontinued product
registration. A major hole in weed control would quickly develop in the production system.
Biology and Life Cycle:
Grass weeds germinate at soil depths from 1/8th of an inch to 2 or 3 inches. Seed size and dormancy are the controlling factors for when and where these seeds emerge. Large seeded weeds have greater seed food reserves and can emerge from greater soil depths where moisture is less variable than near the soil surface. Weeds germinate at various times throughout the season depending on environmental cues such as moisture availability and soil temperature. Weeds produce prolific numbers of seeds which may lie dormant for very brief (2 weeks) or very long (30-50 yrs) periods before germination. Weed seeds are distributed by wind, rain, birds, and mechanical harvesting equipment. Cultivation is a significant factor for beans but not for peas.
Distribution and Importance:
Annual grasses infest approximately 98% of all crop acres. Many of these are controlled with herbicide applications and tillage. Foxtails, wild proso millet, sandbur, and crabgrass are principle drivers in weed management decisions. Foxtails are the predominate grass weed but relatively easy to control with current herbicides. Crabgrass and sandbur are especially troublesome on sandy soils throughout the region. Grass weeds contribute to insect pressures and contamination in peas. Due to current herbicides, losses are minimal.
Foxtails (Setaria spp.)
There are three important foxtail species: giant foxtail (Setaria faberi), yellow foxtail (Setaria
glauca), and green foxtail (Setaria viridis). At least one of these species can be found in nearly any
field in the North Central Region. While low populations cause little crop competition, because of
seed production an unchecked population can quickly become a severe problem. A primary
control method for foxtail spp. is the application of preemergence grass herbicides. These provide
early season control, reducing early season competition.
Woolly cupgrass (Eriochloa villosa [Thunb.] Kunth.)
Woolly cupgrass is a relatively new and potentially serious weed problem in the states of Iowa,
Illinois, Wisconsin and Minnesota. Its spread has increased rapidly in the last 10 to 15 years. This
annual grass weed demonstrates biological, biochemical, and morphological characteristics that
make it economically damaging and adds to the difficulty in developing effective management
strategies. Woolly cupgrass is a prolific seed producer. The seed tends to germinate earlier and at
higher populations than many other annual grass weeds. Woolly cupgrass has demonstrated
tolerance to herbicides commonly used for control of annual grasses.
Fall panicum (Panicum dichotomiflorum)
Fall panicum is a summer annual that grows best in warm, wet, fertile soils. The plant tillers
profusely and in late August and September the tillers open and scatter hard-coated seeds. These
seeds may remain viable for years, and fall panicum is most often a problem in reduced or no-till
fields whose undisturbed soils are favorable for germination. Fall panicum has shown some
tolerance to atrazine (used on corn crops), and can be a serious grass weeds in the region.
Wild proso millet (Panicum miliaceum)
Wild proso millet is a summer annual that tends to be less common in no-till fields and in areas
where popcorn and sweet corn production are prevalent. Legumes rotated with these crops may
also be infested.
Barnyardgrass (Echinochloa crusgalli)
This summer annual germinates from 0 to 4 inches deep in the soil. The seeds remain viable for
several years, and plants may emerge throughout the summer. Barnyardgrass is most
troublesome in low, moist, warm areas.
Field sandbur (Cenchrus pauciflorus, also C. longispinus)
Field sandbur is a summer annual weed common in sandy soils. The bur of field sandbur can be a
serious problem if it is harvested with the legume crop.
Crabgrass spp. (Digitaria spp.)
A warm season grass most often troublesome in the southern region of the Corn Belt. The plants
root at the nodes and due to a high root to shoot ratio may be very competitive where moisture is
limiting. May be most severe during the late part of the growing season after herbicides have
degraded and/or holes remain in the canopy. Tillage and row cultivation also help control.
Volunteer corn (Zea maize)
Commonly found in any crop rotated with field corn. Most serious in years after infestations of stalk
boring insects.
Brome grasses (Bromus spp.)
Brome grasses include downy brome, Japanese brome, and cheat. If left uncontrolled these
grasses will continue to pose a competitive threat to the crop.
Bluegrass (Poa annua)
Bluegrass can become more of a problem under continuous no-till. Though populations do not
grow at an explosive rate, control without tillage can be difficult.
Non Chemical Controls: See Non-chemical Weed Management Strategies above.
Chemical controls:
Biology and Life Cycle:
Although perennial grasses and nutsedges produce seed each year the primary mechanism of reproduction is through vegetative propagation. Tillage can be an effective mechanism of controlling perennial grasses but when done improperly may further distribute the weed throughout the field and exacerbate the problem. Quackgrass is a cool weather plant and grows aggressively early in the spring and in the fall. The other perennials listed tend to grow more actively during the late spring and summer.
Pest Distribution and Importance:
Perennial grasses were once a severe problem prior to herbicides and when pasture was a standard part of the crop rotation. With the introduction of effective herbicides and decline in pasture rotations, many perennial grasses have declined in importance. Horsetail is a problem in some no-till fields. It is very hard to control as there are no herbicides that are effective. Quackgrass is the principle problem. Wirestem Muhly and yellow nutsedge are problems in lima beans due to lima beans being a longer season crop. Host to insect oviposition site causing contamination concern. Minimal losses with current controls.
Quackgrass (Elytrigia repens)
Quackgrass is a perennial grass that spreads by rhizomes. These rhizomes are effectively spread
by tillage, increasing the scope of the population in a field. Tillage is an effective control by
depleting food reserves and bringing rhizomes to the surface.
Wirestem muhly (Muhlenbergia frondosa)
Wirestem muhly is a perennial grass that reproduces by seeds and underground rhizomes. It is
native to the Midwest. It was not considered a common row crop weed until the 1950's when
serious infestations developed in cultivated fields. Delayed seedbed preparation will help control
wirestem muhly by bringing rhizomes to the soil surface to dry out.
Yellow Nutsedge (Cyperus esculentus)
Yellow nutsedge causes the most severe perennial weed infestations and is quite serious across
the region. It reproduces from tubers as the seed does not survive overwintering, and tubers can
adapt to almost any soil type and conditions. Tubers germinate at depths of up to 12 inches and
may remain viable for up to three years in many soils.
Horsetail (Equisetum spp.)
A problem in some very localized areas. Although seldom presenting an economic problem only
tillage is effective for control.
Non Chemical Control: See Non-chemical Weed Management Strategies: (above)
Chemical Control:
Annual Broadleaf Weeds
Biology and Life Cycle:
Broadleaf weeds germinate at soil depths from 1/8th of an inch to 3 or 4 inches. Seed size and dormancy are the controlling factors for when and where these seeds emerge. Large seeded broadleaf weeds have greater seed food reserves and can emerge from greater soil depths where moisture is less variable than near the soil surface. Weeds germinate at various times throughout the season depending on environmental cues such as moisture availability and soil temperature. Weeds produce prolific numbers of seeds which may lie dormant for very brief (2 weeks) or very long (30-50 yrs) periods before germination. Weed seeds are distributed by wind, rain, birds, and mechanical harvesting equipment.
Distribution and Importance:
Processors have contaminant issues with Nightshade, cocklebur, horsenettle, puncture vine, mustard, wild radish - plants run slower 10-15% of time. Growers have concerns with pigweeds, velvetleaf, lambsquarter. Harvest concerns with stem sections, seed heads and pods. Solanaceae species are a health risk. Harvest equipment capacity reduced 10-15% of the time, plants run slower 10-15% of time, growers see up to 30% yield reduction. Not uncommon to see crop injury from herbicides.
Nightshade (Solanum spp)
This summer annual can produce thousands of berries; each berry contains up to 50 seeds. This
weed is especially noxious in pea production where the berries can infest the harvested crop.
While nightshade is generally not considered a serious pest in the Corn Belt, severe infestations in
individual fields do occur. Tillage and row cultivation are effective for early, newly emerged
seedlings.
Common Cocklebur (Xanthium strumarium)
Common cocklebur is a summer annual weed. Its seeds are spread by attaching to animal fur or
by tillage or harvesting equipment. Cocklebur is a serious competitor for moisture. Cultivation and
tillage will all help control cocklebur establishment.
Common Lambsquarters (Chenopodium album)
Common lambsquarters produce numerous small seeds which germinate after an overwintering
process. Optimal temperature for germination is 70F, but can germinate between 40 to 94, which
suggests early germination capabilities. Survival is favored by rains that dilute or leach herbicides
from the soil surface.
Common Ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia)
Common ragweed is a summer annual that is favored by moist soils and can be a serious problem
in individual fields. Control of common ragweed with tillage or row cultivation is effective in
controlling small seedlings.
Giant Ragweed (Ambrosia trifida)
Wet weather favors giant ragweed, and this summer annual may be a severe problem in isolated
fields. The seeds of giant ragweed may remain viable in the soil for several years. Small seedlings
can be controlled with row cultivation and tillage.
Jimsonweed (Datura stramonium)
Jimsonweed produces several hundred hard-coated seeds per plant that may remain viable in the
soil for years. This summer annual grows best under warm temperatures and moist soils.
Jimsonweed infestations harm crops via competition for water, especially in dry years. The shade
of its leaves in shorter crops increases yield loss due to decreased nutrient uptake. Jimsonweed
also contains the alkaloids, atropine, hyoscyamine, and hyoscine, which are toxic. Even small
amounts of jimsonweed can cause harvest problems.
Kochia (Kochia scoparia)
Kochia is similar to common lambsquarters in many respects. It produces numerous small seeds
and can germinate early in the season. Kochia has also developed resistance to a number of
herbicides including triazines and ALS compounds. Although not distributed as widely as
lambsquarters, kochia has been expanding from small infestations started along rail and road
systems where seed has been carried in.
Morningglories (Ipomoea spp.)
Tall morningglory and ivyleaf morningglory are the two major annual morningglory species found
in the Corn Belt. The seeds of these summer annuals may survive for several years in soil.
Infestations are most common in moist soils along river bottomland, but these plants can be found
most anywhere in the states. Annual morningglories adapt to crops by vining about the crop, so
shading by the canopy is not particularly successful in reducing growth. Newly emerged seedlings
can be controlled by tillage and cultivation, but this may result in conditions that favor emergence
by weeds deeper in the soil profile. After vines begin to twine about the stems of the crop,
cultivation may not be as effective.
Pennsylvania Smartweed (Polygonum pensylvanicum)
This summer annual grows best on wet soils and is widely distributed across the Midwest.
Smartweed emerges early in the spring and can be a severe problem if tillage is delayed to wet
soils, as seedbed preparation may result in transplanting larger plants rather than destroying them.
Pigweeds (Amaranthus retroflexus, A. hybridus, A. powellii)
Pigweeds are prolific seed producers, and one plant can produce over 100,000 seeds in one
growing season. The seeds of this plant may remain viable for years. Pigweeds are a problem in
no-till systems because undisturbed soils favor germination of the minuscule seeds, and the debris
keeps the field moist and allows for extended germination. Other favorable germination locations
are where excess nitrogen is available, and where no soil applied herbicides have been used.
Localized populations of some biotypes of pigweed have shown triazine or acetolactate synthase
(ALS)-inhibitor resistance.
Velvetleaf (Abutilon theophrasti)
Velvetleaf is a serious competitor for moisture in drought conditions. Cultivation can somewhat
control velvetleaf when used in the early season. Velvetleaf seed pods are a serious contaminant
of snap beans with current commercial harvesters. This weed also can be a host of Bacterial
Brown Spot, Cucumber Mosaic Virus, and white mold. Velvetleaf is a larger seed with longer
longevity for seed germination.
Waterhemp (Amaranthus tuberculatus, A. rudis)
Common waterhemp is a native species and is a serious weed problem throughout the Corn Belt.
Changes in agricultural practices that favor this weed include reductions in tillage, herbicide
selection, simplified crop rotations, and recent weather patterns. There are also many indigenous
factors that have contributed to the increase in common waterhemp populations. These include
seedling emergence late in the growing season, high seed production and an ability to germinate
from shallow soil depths. Control of common waterhemp has become increasingly difficult due to
resistance to many common herbicides. Waterhemp has demonstrated cross-resistance to
herbicides with the ALS inhibition mode of action, as well as to triazine compounds.
Wild Buckwheat (Polygonum convolvulus)
An occasional summer annual weed. Wild buckwheat has a vining habit and is usually difficult to
control with most herbicides.
Common sunflower (Helianthus annuus)
Commonly found throughout the Midwest. Common sunflower is an annual weed that can
germinate from depths of 3 or 4 inches in the soil and grows to 4 to 9 feet in height.
Marsh Elder (Iva xanthifolia)
An occasional weed in row crops more typically found west of the Mississippi river. Usually found
along roadsides, ditches, and in pastures or farm yards.
Wild radish (Raphanus raphanistrum )
An annual or winter annual weed of Minnesota, Wisconsin and Michigan. Commonly found in
cereal crops and in wastelands.
Mustards
Mustard species include field pennycress (Thlaspi arvense), wild mustard (Brassica kaber), tansy
mustard (Descurainia pinnata), shepherd's-purse (Capsella bursa-pastoris), yellow rocket
(Barbarea vulgaris), and the pepperweeds (Lepidium spp.) Although a number of herbicides may
control some mustard species, the presence of mature (large) mustards in the fields early in the
season often limits which herbicides may be applied. Though usually less aggressive than henbit
and common chickweed in terms of population expansion, they are serious competitors with crops.
Mustard seed pods are a serious noxious contaminant of processed peas.
Puncture vine (Tribulus terrestis)
A summer annual that produces seeds with stiff spines. Puncturevine seed pods are a serious
contaminant of processed snap beans, as they stick to the fleshy pods and are carried into
finished product, causing serious injury when the consumer chews the beans.
Common purslane (Portulaca oleracae)
A low growing weed that has fleshy leaves and stems that can often survive mechanical
cultivation.
Volunteer potato (Solanum tuberosum)
A common problem in many fields that are rotated with potato production fields. Volunteer
potatoes are a host for insect pests of snap beans and peas as well.
Galinsoga (Galinsoga ciliata)
Produces seed prolifically. Moderate growth height.
Pineapple weed (Matricaria discoidea)
A weed with aromatic characteristics. Grows early in the season. The seed head can easily
become a contaminant of peas.
Common Chickweed (Stellaria media)
A common weed which produces prolific amounts of seed and a thick mat of low vegetative
growth. Can remove much soil moisture and, if untreated, can seriously affect crop establishment
and growth in dry years.
Horseweed (Marestail) (Conyza canadensis)(previously Erigeron canadensis)
This weed is becoming much more common throughout the Midwest due to reduced tillage. It
produces a large amount of seed that is wind borne. Resistant biotypes of this weed to glyphosate
have been identified.
Henbit (Lamium amplexicaule)
This plant is a low growing (5 to 9 inches) winter annual. It can produce a thick mat of growth early
in the season and pull needed moisture from the soil.
Field Pansy (Viola sp)
A low growing winter annual plant (4 inches or less) that is an occasional weed. Field Pansy has
yellow to blue flowers and sets seed in May. While they do compete for water early in the season
they are much less of a concern later in the season as they tend to decline in hot weather.
Wild Lettuce (Lactuca spp)
Encompasses annuals, winter annuals, and perennial species. They are usually quite noticeable
early in the spring and will be much more of a problem in minimum till fields.
Non Chemical Control: See Non-chemical Weed Management Strategies: above
Chemical Control:
Perennial Broadleaf Weeds
Biology and life cycle:
While perennial weeds do produce seeds, the majority of plants listed propagate through vegetative means. Most perennial weeds begin growth early in the season before crops are planted and may also have a very active period of growth after the crop has been harvested. Tillage can be effective for controlling many perennial weeds but it may also distribute viable rhizomes, roots, and tubers throughout the field if done improperly.
Distribution and Importance:
Canada thistle result in bud contaminants and serious yield loss problem. Horsenettle is a contaminant in peas, snap and lima beans. Hemp dogbane and field bindweed are patchy weed or edge problems. Losses account for 2-5% overall, 10% of fields have problems.
Common Milkweed (Asclepias syrica L.)
This perennial weed reproduces by seeds and adventitious buds that sprout from underground
roots. Seedlings produce vegetative buds 18-21 days after germination, and seeds may remain
viable for up to three years. Seeds may germinate from as deep as 2 inches in the soil, and
undisturbed fields or fields with reduced tillage and moist soils are favored. Problems with
common milkweed have been increasing due to the decrease in tillage and row cultivation.
Canada thistle (Cirsium arvense)
Canada thistle is a perennial weed with a vigorous, rhizome-like root system. Propagation is by
rootstock and seeds; only female plants produce seed. Preplant tillage and row cultivation can
control small seedlings but are less effective in controlling plants arising from rootstocks. The
flower bud from this plant can be a contaminant in pea production and is especially noxious.
Field bindweed (Convolvulus arvensis) and hedge bindweed (Calystegia sepium)
These weeds are vining weeds commonly found in both cultivated and no-till fields. These weeds
can rapidly engulf the rows in vines reducing growth and yield. The extensive mass of vines also
makes harvest very difficult.
Hemp dogbane (Apocynum cannabium)
This perennial weed is capable of regrowth from perennating rootstock within six weeks of
emergence. The underground root system may extend laterally 20 feet per year and downward as
far as 14 feet. The central portion of the Corn Belt is usually most severely infested with dogbane.
Tillage can reduce dogbane infestations, but is ineffective once populations are established.
Swamp smartweed (Polygonum amphibium Muhl. ex Willd)
Swamp smartweed is commonly found in low, wet areas of fields. Because of an extensive root
system it is a strong competitor and difficult to eradicate. Because of its similarity to Pennsylvania
smartweed, an annual, many producers incorrectly identify this weed.
Bigroot Morningglory (Ipomoea pandurata) Bigroot morningglory is becoming more common. It produces a tuber that can reach eight inches in diameter and several feet deep. When the new vines emerge they are purplish in color. Control almost invariably will require many repeated treatments.
Pokeweed (Phytolacca americana)
Pokeweed is becoming more important as a weed throughout the eastern section of the Corn Belt.
It tends to be hard to kill and severe infestations can cause contamination of grain that can result
in its rejection by elevators.
Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale)
Dandelion is a common perennial throughout the Midwest. It is an opportunistic plant, colonizing
areas of disturbed soil or open spaces. It produces numerous seeds that may be widely dispersed.
White Cockle (Lychnis alba )
A biennial or short lived perennial that reproduces primarily by seed. It flowers throughout the
summer and will be more of a problem where reduced tillage systems are common.
Horsenettle (Solanum carolinense)
Propagates by rhizomes and seed. Mostly a problem in minimum tilled fields, or in fields not
recently tilled. Horsenettle berries are a serious noxious contaminant of snap beans and lima
beans.
Non Chemical Control: See Non-chemical Weed Management Strategies: above
Chemical Control:
Much of the information in this crop profile was assembled as a draft document upon which a Pest Management Strategic Plan (PMSP) was developed. Additional information was added from the comments of participants who attended the workshop for that PMSP in March of 2003. I am deeply grateful for the input from the participants of the workshop listed below. D Pike.
Contributors:
Dave Pike PMC Project leader airs-inc@insightbb.com; 217 352 6405
Walt Stevenson Univ of Wisc, Plant Path wrs@plantpath.wisc.edu
Karen Delahaut Univ of Wisc, Entom. kadelaha@facstaff.wisc.edu
Lynnae Jess Mich State Univ, PMC jess@msue.msu.edu
Tom Rabaey General Mills Ag Res tom.rabaey@genmills.com
Brian Flood DelMonte Foods brian.r.flood@delmonte.com
Wayne Wells Chiquita Processed Foods wwells@chiquita.com
Craig Grau Univ of Wisc, Plant Path cg6@plantpath.wisc.edu
Dennis Dixon Hartung Bro. DennisD@hartungbrothers.com
Kevin Johnson Greenline Produce Company johnson.1442@osu.edu
Larry Binning Univ Of Wisc, Weed Sci lbinning@facstaff.wisc.edu
Barbara Vantil Reg 5 EPA vantil.barbara@epa.gov
Satoru Miyasaki Mich State Univ, IR-4 ncrir4@pilot.msu.edu
Jeff Wyman Univ of Wisc, Entom. wyman@entomology.wisc.edu
Chris Falak Gerber Products chris.falak@ch.novartis.com
Allan Brooks Grower aljan@dotnet.com
Appendix A: Field events and worker exposure
The following tables show the field events in peas and beans that are expected to affect the exposure level of agricultural workers. Although it is possible to estimate the total time in the field by various workers it is not possible to determine from these numbers the exact level of exposure. For example, during many pest scouting events the scouts simply walk a (somewhat) random path among the plants in the field with little or no actual contact with pesticide residues on the soil or plants. It is possible though that during some insect or disease scouting events that the scouts may have to handle many plants and come in close contact with many others.
| Peas |
Figures are relative to a 100 acre field | ||
| In-field event | Number of people involved in event | Hours per event X number of events | Total event hours per season |
| Planting | 1 | 10 X 1 | 10 |
| Irrigation | 1 | .25 X 4 | 1 |
| Scouting | 1 | 1 X 3 | 3 |
| Pre-grading 5 days to harvest |
1 | .2 X 5 | 1 |
| chemical app: weeds (ground) | 1 | 2 X 1.5 | 3 |
| chemical app: diseases | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| chemical app: insects (aerial) | 1 | 1 X 1 | 1 |
| harvest-mechanical | 6 | 10 X 1 | 10 |
| Lima & Snap Beans |
Figures are relative to a 100 acre field | ||
| In-field event | Number of people involved in event | Hours per event X number of events | Total event hours per season |
| Planting | 1 | 10 X 1 | 10 |
| Irrigation | 1 | .25 X 8 | 2 |
| Scouting | 1 | .5 X 6 | 3 |
| Cultivation | 1 | 1.5 X 10 | 15 |
| Pre-grading 5 days to harvest | 1 | .5 X 4 | 2 |
| chemical app: weeds (ground) | 1 | 2 X 2 | 4 |
| chemical app: diseases (aerial) | 1 | 1 X 1 | 1 |
| chemical app: insects (aerial) | 1 | 1 X 3 | 3 |
| harvest-mechanical | 5 | 8 X 1 | 8 |