Vol. 9, Issue 7, Part R (2025)

Pea (Pisum sativum L.) is a globally significant vegetable and pulse crop valued for its nutritional richness, soil-enriching capabilities, and adaptability across diverse agro-climatic zones. However, its productivity is severely constrained by powdery mildew, a pervasive fungal disease primarily caused by Erysiphe pisi. This disease thrives in warm, dry days followed by cool, dewy nights and is particularly devastating in late-sown or maturing crops, causing yield losses ranging from 10% to over 70%, depending on disease intensity and crop stage. The fungus colonizes the aerial parts of the plant, forming characteristic white powdery patches and reducing both yield and quality, including pod size, seed weight, and market value. Morphologically, the pathogen is ectophytic, forming haustoria, conidia, and cleistothecia that facilitate its reproduction and spread. Various management strategies have been explored, including the application of fungicides such as propiconazole, hexaconazole, tebuconazole, and sulphur, as well as the use of botanicals like neem and ginger extracts. Biocontrol agents such as Trichoderma harzianum and T. hamatum have also shown promising results. This review summarizes the disease’s epidemiology, economic impact, and integrated management strategies, highlighting the need for durable resistant cultivars, improved farmer awareness, and region-specific disease control packages for sustainable pea production.