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Favourable summer and autumn temperatures and rainfall for most of the wheatbelt has prompted the release of the majority of blackspot spores prior to the optimum sowing time for field peas.

The fourth week of May (May 21) signifies the start of the optimum sowing window for field peas in 2007 according to the Department of Agriculture and Food’s ‘Blackspot Manager’ model.

Department development officer Ian Pritchard said the Blackspot Manager forecasted blackspot spore production from infected field pea stubble at key locations throughout Western Australia. 

Using this information and previous agronomic experience, the Department regular updates a guide to sowing times for field pea growers on its website at www.agric.wa.gov.au/cropdiseases.

Mr Pritchard said with the majority of blackspot spores already released, favourable moist and warm soil conditions, and germinating weeds, the current varieties were well suited to this time of sowing.

“To make the most of field peas in this and future years, it is important to plan where and when field pea paddocks will be sown,” he said.

“Paddock separation of more than 500 metres from last year’s field pea stubble, crop rotation of at least three years between crops in a paddock, and the correct sowing time are the keys to managing blackspot disease in field pea.

“A successful first step taken by many growers is to start their field pea rotation in the south-east corner of farms, working towards the north west.”

For further details regarding blackspot and sowing times contact Dr Moin Salam or Ian Pritchard at the Department’s Northam office on 9690 2000.

Field Pea Sowing Guide -  as of 1 May 2007

Rainfall (January to 1 May) of nearest weather station.  Where individual rainfall is less than indicated, the probability of severe blackspot may be higher.

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