Comparison of the effects of autumn and spring sowing date on growth and yield of combining peas (Pisum sativutnL.)

Abstract

Experiments were conducted between 1978 and 1981 to investigate the effect of autumn and spring sowing on emergence, winter survival, growth and yield of combining peas (varieties ‘Frimas’, ‘Filby’ and ‘Vedette’). Effects of growth regulator PP 333 (Paclobutrazol, ICI pic) application and defoliation on winter survival of Filby were also investigated. Field emergence of autumn-sown Frimas (winter hardy) was less than Vedette or Filby but percentage winter survival was greater. PP 333 application, but not defoliation, increased percentage winter survival of Filby sown in September. Total dry-matter production and photosynthetic area of autumn- compared with spring-sown crops varied considerably between seasons. Yield data indicated that autumn-sown crops produce similar seed yields to spring sowings when winter survival is adequate. November sowings matured 2–4 weeks before March-sown crops, depending on variety and season. Optimum sowing dates were mid-November and early March. Large seed-yield reductions occurred when sowing was delayed until mid-April.