Maximum Yield USA October 2017 | Page 129

Drip-irrigated peanut production system. which produce vines with many tendrils but few leaves, are useful pea shoot/tendril cultivation, but they can be used to harvest pods as well. For hydroponic systems, either tall or shorter varieties can be grown. Taller vines need some form of support, while shorter cultivars are up to two feet in height and are often self-supporting. Indeterminate, shorter varieties of peas are the preferred choice for those with limited space, as these can be planted in double rows or groups so that plants support each other without the need for trellising. Choosing pea varieties with powdery mildew resistance is recommended and many of the new and improved cultivars are worth trialing in hydroponic systems. Peas prefer lower overall growing temperatures than beans, with optimums in the 55-65˚F range for most varieties. Temperatures above 85˚F can lead to minimal vegetative growth and poor flower development and fruit set. Peas also benefit from good air flow around the base of the plants and avoidance of overcrowding, which can promote the development of fungal diseases. Peas prefer lower overall growing temperatures than beans, with optimums in the 55-65˚F range for most varieties.” grow cycle 127