Optimising Plant Density and Nitrogen Rates for Effective Powdery Mildew Management in Garden Peas
| dc.contributor.author | Muriithi, M. | |
| dc.contributor.author | Mwangi, M. | |
| dc.contributor.author | Karanja, A. | |
| dc.contributor.author | Matheri, F. | |
| dc.date.accessioned | 2025-06-09T11:54:25Z | |
| dc.date.available | 2025-06-09T11:54:25Z | |
| dc.date.issued | 2025-05 | |
| dc.description | Article | |
| dc.description.abstract | Garden pea (Pisum sativum L.) is crucial in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), serving both local consumption and export. Its production, however, faces significant challenges mainly due to powdery mildew (Erysiphe pisi), which is responsible for yield losses of up 60%. The objective of this study was to determine the optimum point of N fertiliser interaction with planting densities, for control of powdery mildew disease in garden pea. Treatments included N rates at 0, 15, 30, and 60 kg-1; mode of application (foliar or root base) and plant density(45 cm x 15 cm and 45 cm x 7.5 cm). The treatments were laid out in a randomised complete block design (RCBD), replicated four times. Results showed that disease severity and incidence increased along with N application and plant density; however, yield reduced at both high N rate (60 kg N ha-1) and in the control (0 kg N ha-1) rates. Fertiliser intensity significantly influenced powdery mildew occurrence, pod yield, and plant branches in garden peas, underscoring the need for strategic N management and planting density for sustainable disease management. The study identified 30 kg N ha-1 applied either by foliar or root application, together with 45 cm x 15 cm plant spacing as the most effective combination; which effectively reduced powdery mildew incidence; while improving crop yield | |
| dc.identifier.citation | Muriithi, M., Mwangi, M., Karanja, A., & Matheri, F. (2025). Optimising plant density and nitrogen rates for effective powdery mildew management in garden peas. African Crop Science Journal, 33(2), 165-180. | |
| dc.identifier.uri | https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/acsj.v33i2.5 | |
| dc.identifier.uri | https://ir-library.ku.ac.ke/handle/123456789/30158 | |
| dc.language.iso | en | |
| dc.publisher | African Crop Science Journal | |
| dc.title | Optimising Plant Density and Nitrogen Rates for Effective Powdery Mildew Management in Garden Peas | |
| dc.type | Article |