Southernpeas (Vigna unguiculata) are also called blackeyed peas, crowders, field peas, cowpeas, or simply peas. They are members of the legume family and can form nitrogen-fixing nodules on their roots. As a result, they can be beneficial in crop rotations because they add nitrogen to the soil when turned under.
Fertilization
Southernpeas can be grown on a wide variety of well-drained soils that are properly prepared. Soil testing should be completed before adjusting pH or applying fertilizer so that optimum amounts can be used. Soil pH should be between 6.0 and 6.5. If soil pH is below this range, lime should be applied according to soil test recommendations. Because lime acts slowly, applications should occur 2 to 3 months before planting.
Depending on soil type and rainfall, 20 to 50 pounds of nitrogen per acre is needed for southernpea production. A typical fertilizer program includes 400 to 600 pounds of 4-12-12 or 5-10-10. Fertilizer can be broadcast or banded 3 to 4 inches deep and 2 to 3 inches from the seed. Additional nitrogen sidedressing may be needed on sandy soils if the crop is heavily irrigated or if leaching rains occur.
| Phosphorus / Potassium Ratings | Low | Medium | High | Very High |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Recommended P | 60 | 40 | 20 | 0 |
| Recommended K | 60 | 40 | 20 | 0 |
* Recommendations for nitrogen: Coastal Plain, 25 to 50 pounds per acre; Piedmont, Mountain, and Limestone Valley, 20 to 40 pounds per acre. P = pounds of P2O5 recommended per acre. K = pounds of K2O recommended per acre.
Planting Dates
Southernpeas can be planted for spring, summer, and fall production. In spring, plant after the danger of frost has passed and soil temperatures are 60 F or higher. For fall production, seed early enough for harvest to be completed before damaging frost occurs.
Spacing
Between-row spacing should be 20 to 42 inches. Plant bush types at the closer spacing and vining types at the wider spacing. Available equipment will also influence row spacing.
Bush types, or nonvining types, should be planted at 4 to 6 seed per foot, while vining types should be planted at 1 to 2 seed per foot. Seed size and spacing determine the total amount of seed required. Small-seeded varieties planted at the closest spacing require about 30 pounds of seed per acre, while wider spacings may require about 15 pounds. Large-seeded varieties may require from 30 to 55 pounds of seed per acre depending on spacing. Seed should be planted 3/4 to 1 1/4 inches deep.
Variety Selection
The processor will prescribe or recommend the varieties you should grow for processing. For fresh market production, select consumer-acceptable varieties with high yield and disease resistance when possible. It is good practice to buy Western-grown certified seed to help ensure true-to-type seed with high germination.
Southernpeas come in a variety of seed and pod colors, shapes, and growth habits. Fresh-market peas are generally classified into cream, crowder, and blackeyed types. Pods may be green or purple at maturity. Crowder peas are generally brown at maturity and often have distorted shape because of crowding in the pod. Cream types have white seed at maturity and are usually small. Blackeyed peas are generally white at maturity with black pigment around the point of attachment in the pod. Pinkeye types are a popular variation on the blackeye type.
| Type | Variety | Growth Habit | Disease Resistance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cream | White Acre | Nonvining | |
| Cream | Texas Cream 12 | Nonvining | Fusarium, nematode |
| Cream | Cream 40 | Nonvining | |
| Crowder | Mississippi Silver | Nonvining | Fusarium, nematodes |
| Crowder | Colossus | Vining | Fusarium, nematodes |
| Crowder | Mississippi Purple | Nonvining | Fusarium, nematodes |
| Crowder | Knuckle Purple Hull | Vining | |
| Crowder | Zipper Cream | ||
| Crowder | Hercules | Nonvining | Fusarium, nematodes |
| Blackeye | California #5 | Nonvining | Fusarium, nematodes |
| Blackeye | Princess Anne | Vining | |
| Blackeye | Queen Anne | Vining | |
| Blackeye | Magnolia | Nonvining | Fusarium, nematodes |
| Blackeye | Genegreen | Nonvining |
1 Disease resistance is a relative term based on specific test conditions and specific races. Results under your specific conditions may vary.
Watering
Although southernpeas can withstand drier conditions than most vegetables, yields can be increased by irrigation when rainfall is insufficient. One inch of water every 7 to 10 days is generally adequate. Heavier soils usually require slightly less water than lighter soils.
Weed Control
Both cultivation and herbicides can be used to control weeds in southernpea production. Plant spacing can also affect weed control, since more closely spaced rows can improve crop competition with weeds. Consult your local county Extension agent or the latest edition of the Georgia Pest Control Handbook for recommended herbicides. Follow label directions carefully because of the potential for crop damage.
Disease and Insect Control
Diseases
Nematodes are microscopic worms that feed on plant roots. They occur most frequently on sandy soils, although most soils can harbor them. Rotation to nonsusceptible crops, especially grasses and small grains, can reduce nematode populations. If nematodes are suspected, contact your local county Extension agent for assistance with sampling. Resistant varieties and nematicides may reduce losses.
Several other diseases can affect southernpeas:
- Mosaic and mottle viruses: Leaves appear crinkled and distorted, with light and dark green mosaic patterns. Combinations of viruses may stunt growth, reduce yields, and cause plant tissue death.
- Anthracnose: Dark brown to black sunken areas appear on stems, leaves, and pods.
- Fusarium wilt: Plants are stunted, leaves wilt, and stems cut lengthwise near the soil surface show brown discoloration in the vascular tissue.
- Powdery mildew: A white powdery fungal growth appears on the upper leaf surface.
- Downy mildew: Yellow spots appear on the upper side of leaves, with a downy white fungal growth on the underside.
- Cercospora leaf spot: Small brown circular lesions with reddish-purple borders appear on leaves. Severely affected plants may appear ragged or blighted.
Insects
Cowpea curculio is the most important insect pest of southernpeas. For processing peas, there is essentially zero tolerance for this type of damage. Although extensive work has been done to develop resistance, there is no adequate control except frequent insecticide sprays. Consult your local county Extension agent or the Georgia Pest Control Handbook for appropriate insecticides.
Harvest and Grading
For processing, peas are harvested after the mature-green stage in a once-over machine harvest. The processor determines the appropriate harvest stage.
The USDA sets grades for southernpeas. For fresh market southernpeas, grades are U.S. No. 1 and Commercial. U.S. No. 1 peas must meet standards for pod length, pod fill, shape, freshness, damage, and decay. Commercial grade allows higher tolerance for immature pods, defects, and decay.
More detailed information on USDA grades for both fresh and processing southernpeas is available from the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service or at www.ams.usda.gov/standards.
Appreciation is expressed to Wayne McLaurin, Extension Horticulturist; J. Danny Gay, Extension Plant Pathologist; and David Adams, Extension Entomologist, for their contributions to this publication.
