Biology
Powdery mildew is a fungal disease which attacks the leaves, pods, and stems. Leaves and stems develop discolored spots. The spots later show characteristic white mats of powdery fungal growth which give a bluish cast to the foliage. Small black fruiting bodies of the fungus may be present in the white mats. The infected areas may die on some pea varieties, and some varieties including 'Oregon Sugar Pod' may show brown or black necrotic spots on affected pods. Infection early in the season may result in stunted plants. Powdery mildew may result in reduced yields. Warm days, cool nights, and humid weather favor development of powdery mildew, which is often worse in the fall. The fungus may be carried by infected seed, which is often gray-brown in color. It can also overwinter on infected plant debris.
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