[2] Field pea is an annual, cool season legume that is native to northwest and southwest Asia.

[4] Mycosphaerella pinodes is the only species that develops a sexual spore stage on infected residue.

[6] New disease is established when spores of the fungus are carried to a new, healthy crop by wind or rain splash.

[3] The release of these spores begins in spring and can continue into the summer if moist conditions persist.

Other Ascochyta blight pathogens have thick walled chlamydospores, which can survive for up to a few years in the soil.

One method to manage disease is to follow the recommended seeding dates and rates to avoid fostering an ideal environment for the pathogen.

[4] This pathogen needs cool, moist conditions, and development occurs more quickly as plant tissues age.

Spore dispersal and the development of the disease are slowed in the absence of high levels of moisture.