PSV – Pea Streak Virus Resistant Peas

PSV – Pea Streak Virus Resistant Peas. Type: Virus - Carlavirus. Pea Streak Virus is a disease that affects the growth of peas. It is primarily found in the Northwestern (Idaho, Oregon, and Washington) and Midwestern (Minnesota and Wisconsin) parts of the United States. Symptoms include dark brown or purple streaking of the stems, pale and mottled leaves, wilting and dying off of the leaves of the plant tips, severe stunting, and the death of the plant. The pods may be spotted and distorted, purple-brown, and do not develop seeds. The virus can cause substantial crop loss and complete crop loss. The virus is transmitted by aphids and is not transmitted by seeds. The virus survives for long periods in infected alfalfa. Mild winter temperatures favor the survival of the virus; thus, the disease can be more severe the following spring. The infected plants should be removed and burned to avoid further infestation. Plan on using a 3-year crop rotation and avoid planting in the same location, year after year. Avoid planting peas near alfalfa and removing red clover plants in the field. Insecticides for aphids can control the disease. The best option is to use disease resistant varieties.