Disease resistance in pea (Pisum sativum L.) types for autumn sowings in Mediterranean environments - a review

Abstract

Pea is an important grain legume mainly grown as spring crop in temperate regions. However, in areas with mild winters and dry springs, like Mediterranean type environments, spring pea types are autumn sown. Unfortunately, little efforts have been made so far in pea breeding for constraints typical of these environments, such as crenate broomrape (Orobanche crenata), rust (Uromyces pisi), powdery mildew (Erysiphe pisi) and ascochyta blight (Mycosphaerella pinodes). In this paper we revise the present state of the art in pea breeding against these diseases and we will critically discuss present progress and future perspectives.