Bacterial blights of peas in Victoria

Abstract

The incidence of two bacterial blights of peas, caused by Pseudomonas syringae pv. pisi and Pseudomonas syringae pv. syringae, was surveyed in Victoria from 1979 to 1982. One hundred and seven crops including cultivars of green and field pea were inspected. The incidence of both blights was higher on field pea. Of the field pea plants inspected, 5.3% were affected by the more severe blight caused by pv. pisi and 2. 5% by pv. syringae. There was a higher incidence of both blights in crops in the northern area of the State. Green pea crops were relatively free from both diseases. The significance of the findings in the survey, especially to the field pea industry in Victoria, is discussed.