Biological features of peas that are better to know
Peas – an agricultural crop grown in Russia, Belarus and Ukraine. This is a popular crop among gardeners, despite the fact that it is somewhat demanding on the soil. But there are many options for culinary experiments. In addition, the plant decorates the garden plot. In this article we will talk about peas as a plant, its structure and climatic “preferences”.
Botanical description
Peas are one of the fastest ripening legumes. The growing season ranges from 65 to 140 days. Self-pollination usually occurs during the closed flower phase. But in years with dry, hot summers, open flowering occurs and cross-pollination occurs. Flowering lasts 10-40 days.
The life of a plant is divided into four stages: shoots, budding, flowering and ripening. The last two stages have a clear tiering. That is, flowering and the appearance of fruits begin from the bottom of the stem, gradually moving to the top. Also during this period the maximum amount of green mass is observed.
Growth phases and stages of organogenesis
Peas have eight growth phases.
| Phases | Stages of organogenesis and leading processes | Formation of elements of productivity |
| Seed germination | I—growth cone not highlighted | Number of plants per area |
| Shoots | II - distinguishing the growth cone, laying of leaves and lateral axillary buds | Plant habit - height, branching |
| Shooting | III - increase in the size of the growth cone, formation of leaves on the shoot
IV - formation of stipules and flower tubercles V—differentiation of flower organs VI - formation of pollen mother cells VII - intensive growth of the stem and all elements of the flower. |
Number of beans |
| Budding | VIII - continued growth of flower elements, beginning of fertilization | Number of seeds per bean |
| Bloom | IX - completion of fertilization, beginning of fetal growth | Number of seeds per bean |
| Scapula formation | X - formation and continuation of fetal growth | Seed size |
| Pouring seeds | XI - seed growth, accumulation of assimilates | Seed size |
| Seed ripening | XII - conversion of nutrients into reserve ones | Seed size |
Requirements for light and heat
Peas are a very light-loving crop; when there is a lack of sunlight, they experience oppression. Therefore, the plant should be grown in an open area without shade from any buildings or other plants. Wherein the bed should be well protected from the wind.
Peas begin to germinate at a temperature of 1-2 degrees. Vegetative organs are better formed at 12-16 degrees. The most favorable temperature range is 5-19 degrees. But peas can also withstand frosts down to minus 8.
Moisture requirements
Peas are also very demanding of moisture. As the plant grows, the need for water also increases. Its deficiency reduces productivity, and its excess prolongs the growing season. The proper amount of water makes the stem strong and the numerous fruits juicy.
The best soil moisture for peas is 70-80%. The most sensitive period to the amount of moisture is flowering and fruit formation.
It is best to water your peas once or twice a week. Watering should be plentiful - 10 liters per square meter. In hot and dry weather, the amount of water can be increased to 15 liters.Watering should be done using a watering can with a strainer so that the water is evenly distributed on the surface. After watering, it is advisable to loosen the soil between the rows.
Soil requirements
Peas need balanced soils - without excess nitrogen, but with a moderate amount of minerals. Fertile soil with a neutral acid-base reaction is suitable for peas. Close proximity to groundwater or acidified soils will not benefit the plant.
Morphological structure
Peas belong to the legume family (Fabaceae). The most common type is the common pea (Pisum sativum). Let's consider its structure.
Root system
The root has a tap-like appearance and penetrates the soil to a depth of about 1 meter. On the roots there are nodule bacteria that absorb nitrogen from the air and convert it into compounds available to the plant.
The structure of the root of a pea seedling is very simple. First, one rod is formed without any additional branches. Over time, additional formations grow on the root.
Stem and leaves
The stem of the plant is herbaceous, round, hollow inside. In most cases lodging. Special supports are installed for peas, to which they cling with tendrils and grow upward. The length of the stem can reach two meters.
The leaves are pinnate - two opposite each other. The leaf ends with a tendril. The leaves are ovoid in shape. Depending on the varieties, the tip of the leaf can be rounded or pointed. The leaf veins of peas are reticulate. At the base of each leaf there are two semi-heart-shaped bracts. Their role is the same as that of leaves - photosynthesis. The leaf arrangement is regular.
Flowers
Flowers of the moth type.The pea inflorescence is a raceme consisting of one or two flowers. Flowers are bisexual, self-pollinating. The color of pea flowers is usually white, light yellow or light pink. Less often – reddish or purple. Flowers have 10 stamens and 1 pistil. 9 stamens grow together and surround the pistil, while 1 stamen remains freestanding.
Fetus
Pea fruits are commonly called pods. The pods come in different shapes: straight, curved, sword-shaped, crescent-shaped, etc. The length of the beans also varies and ranges from 4 to 12 cm. One bean contains from 4 to 10 peas.
It is the seeds that are eaten – round or slightly angular green formations. Oddly enough, the sweetest varieties have wrinkled seeds. The structure of a pea seed can be seen in the image.
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Let's sum it up
Peas are a crop worthy of your garden. Knowing the structural features and requirements of the plant to climatic factors, you will be able to harvest a large amount of juicy green peas. The main thing is an abundance of sunlight and watering, as well as the installation of supports so that the plant's tendrils can be attached to them.