Pea

Pea

Scientific Name:
Pisum Sativum

Family:
Fabaceae

Varieties:

• Feisty (ID: 129)
• Little Snowpea White (ID: 145)
• Royal Snow (ID: 130)
• Golden Sweet (ID: 131)
• Little Snowpea Purple (ID: 146)

Introduction

Pisum sativum, commonly known as the pea, is a hardy annual legume belonging to the family Fabaceae. It is one of the oldest cultivated crops, with evidence of cultivation dating back approximately 8,500 years. The scientific name was given by Carl Linnaeus in 1753. Peas are widely grown for their seeds, which are used as a vegetable, and for their edible pods in varieties like snow peas and snap peas. The plant is significant not only for its nutritional value but also for its role in nitrogen fixation, making it a valuable crop for improving soil fertility.

Characteristics

• Physical Characteristics: Peas are cool-season annual vines with smooth, bluish-green stems that can grow up to 9 feet long, though modern cultivars are often shorter. The leaves are alternate and pinnately compound, with terminal tendrils. Flowers are typically white, purple, or pink, and the fruit is a pod containing several seeds.
• Growing Conditions: Peas thrive in temperate climates and are best grown in cool seasons with temperatures between 55°F and 65°F. They require fertile, moisture-retentive soil and often need support for climbing.
• Lifecycle: Peas are self-pollinating, which facilitates breeding for specific traits. They are typically planted in spring or fall and mature within about 50 to 60 days.

Why is this crop useful for space?

Pisum sativum could be beneficial for space cultivation due to several reasons: - Nutritional Value: Peas are rich in protein, fiber, and vitamins, making them a nutritious food source for astronauts. - Nitrogen Fixation: Like other legumes, peas can fix atmospheric nitrogen, which could help maintain soil health in controlled environments without relying on external fertilizers. - Low Maintenance: Peas are relatively easy to grow and can thrive in controlled environments with minimal space, making them suitable for hydroponic or aeroponic systems. - Psychological Benefits: Growing plants in space can provide psychological benefits by offering a connection to nature and improving morale.

History of Cultivation in Space

While there is no specific history of Pisum sativum being cultivated in space, there have been experiments with growing plants in space environments. For example, NASA’s Veggie project has successfully grown lettuce and other crops on the International Space Station, demonstrating the feasibility of plant growth in microgravity. These experiments pave the way for future cultivation of crops like peas in space.

References: - While specific references to pea cultivation in space are not available, the principles of plant growth in space apply broadly across many plant species.