Module 4. Plant life cycles Module 8. Pea life cycle Mystery Pea life cycle.

Module 4. Plant life cycles Module 8. Pea life cycle Mystery

Pea life cycle

Peas

How do they grow?

©Gwyneth Marsh 2007

Peas are the seeds of a plant.They grow inside pods.


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wyn

eth

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The pea seeds we use to grow pea plants are dry and hard, not like the

soft, green ones we eat.

pea seeds peas we eat

©G

wyn

eth

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©G

wyneth M

arsh 2007

The pea seeds germinate when they absorb water and become softer. A small root grows first, then a small shoot.

Root

Shoot


The root grows first. It anchors the plant and absorbs water from the soil. The shoot can then grow into a seedling

Pea seedlings


©S

usan Johnson 2007

The pea plant is called a vine and has tendrils which help it to climb as it grows.

Tendril



Tendrils

©Susan Johnson 2007

Garden peas usually have white flowers. Bees may visit the

flowers, but peas can self-pollinate.


We can save seed to grow peas again next year. We must let the pods ripen and dry on the vine. We harvest them and take out the seeds.

©Gwyneth Marsh 2007©Gwyneth Marsh 2007

Pea moths

Pea moths lay eggs in pea flowers and, as the pea pod swells, the grubs hatch and eat the peas inside the pod.

© Susan Johnson 2007

Peas have nodules on their roots

The nodules contain bacteria that take in nitrogen from the air and enrich the soil to help the plant grow. When the plant dies and decays nitrogen is also released into the soil.

This process is important for organic growers who rotate their crops and keep the soil fertile without using chemical fertilisers.© Susan Johnson 2007

Nodule

Module 4. Plant life cycles Module 8. Pea life cycle Mystery Pea life cycle.

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Transcript of Module 4. Plant life cycles Module 8. Pea life cycle Mystery Pea life cycle.