Abstract
Under-development of pea (Pisum sativum L.) seeds in normally developed pods, resulting in “unfilled pods”, has been a serious problem in the greenhouse cultivation in Wakayama Prefecture, one of the major regions of pea cultivation in Japan. This phenomenon appears to be induced by low temperature and low solar irradiation during pea growing season. This study examined the relationship between this seed under-development and sucrose-to-starch metabolism in developing seeds and pods after flowering. The starch content, ADP-glucose pyrophosphorylase (AGPase) and sucrose synthase activities of a pea cultivar, Kishuusui, were monitored through seed development in shading-treatment plot and in control plot. Results showed that the present treatment induced the depression of starch accumulation and AGPase activity in developing seeds compared with control, which might cause the occurrence of under-development of seeds and unfilled pods. Surplus carbohydrates from source organs might be stored in pod walls, as expected from higher starch level and AGPase activity in treated pod walls. The necessity of thermostable AGPase variants in pea to prevent the unfilled-pod problem was discussed.
Highlights
In Japan, cultivars of garden pea (Pisum sativum L.) are performed mainly under greenhouse conditions in largescale
The present study examined the starch contents and enzyme activities relating to the sucrose-to-starch metabolism in the under-developed and normal seeds, as well as pod walls
The present study may be the first trial to exhibit the relationship between ADP-glucose pyrophosphorylase (AGPase) activity and seed abortion, or unfilled pods, in developing pea seeds under low temperature and low solar irradiation conditions, more data accumulation will be needed
Summary
In Japan, cultivars of garden pea (Pisum sativum L.) are performed mainly under greenhouse conditions in largescale. In Wakayama Prefecture, one of the major regions of pea cultivation in Japan, the growing season of pea generally ranges from late autumn to the early spring, corresponding to relatively warm winter conditions in this region Flowering period in this case ranges continuously from December to the March. Pods were harvested after maturation continuously until about May. One of the serious problems in this pea cultivation in Wakayama is the frequently occurrence of seed abortion after flowering, resulting in so-called “unfilled pods” which look like normal pods in appearance but involve several under-developed seeds. One of the serious problems in this pea cultivation in Wakayama is the frequently occurrence of seed abortion after flowering, resulting in so-called “unfilled pods” which look like normal pods in appearance but involve several under-developed seeds These unfilled pods are difficult to distinguish from pods with well-developed seeds by eye-inspection in the shipment to markets. Makes serious troublesome for pea growers and consumers
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