Legume Research - An International Journal

An experiment was conducted during 2007–2008 and 2008–2009 to study the seed production of garden pea cultivars at variable sowing dates. The study was conducted in split plot design replicated thrice with sowing dates starting from 31^st October in main plots and four varieties namely, ‘Azad P-1’, ‘Palam Priya’, ‘Arkel’ and ‘Pb-89’ in sub-plots. Different dates of sowing and varieties significantly influenced phenology and seed yield along with yield contributing traits. The early sowing on 31^st October significantly increased the seed yield by 13% and 41% over 10^th November and 21^st November, respectively. Among the varieties, ‘Palam Priya’ out performed ‘Azad P-1’ and ‘Arkel’ for seed yield with an increase of 38 and 113% while ‘Pb-89’ had an edge of 34 and 107% over these varieties. Interaction effects revealed that sowing beyond 31^st October did not result in decline in seed yield in some cultivars. The highest seed yield was recorded in ‘Palam Priya’ on 31^st October and 10^th November and that of ‘Pb-89’on 31^st October sowing dates over ‘Azad P-1’ and ‘Arkel’. Hence, sowing on end October in ‘Pb-89’ and that of ‘Palam Priya’ from end October to first quarter of November were the most ideal combinations to obtain higher seed yield in garden pea under sub-humid temperate environment.