Field Pea Research Articles

Species, Cultivar and Seasonal Effects on Nodulation and Nitrogen Utilization of Spring Mediterranean Grain Legumes

Information on nitrogen economy of grain legumes during seed filling is critical for their sustainable cultivation in rainfed agroecosystems, but a comparable assessment of different legumes under the same growth conditions is lacking. The purpose of this study was to examine species, cultivar and seasonal effects on nodulation and nitrogen accumulation, remobilization, and utilization. Five grain legumes [common vetch (Vicia sativa L.), red pea (Lathyrus cicera L.), lentil (Lens culinaris Medik), chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.), and field pea (Pisum sativum L.)], each represented by two cultivars, were grown for two years in a semiarid Mediterranean environment. There were considerable environmentally induced differences among species in nodulation, with chickpea maintaining a sufficient number of nodules (16 nodules plant‒1) and nodule dry weight (57 mg plant‒1) even in the drier year (2015). Pre-podding nitrogen accumulation varied among species, particularly in the wetter year (2014). Nitrogen translocation from vegetative parts to seeds was correlated with pre-podding nitrogen accumulation (r = 0.99, P < 0.01 in 2014 and r = 0.98, P < 0.01 in 2015). Interspecific differences in nitrogen translocation efficiency were enlarged under drought, with red pea exhibiting the highest (84%) and lentil the lowest value (72%). Chickpea produced the highest seed nitrogen accumulation in both years and had the highest nitrogen utilization efficiency (21 kg seeds per kg N) the drier year. Nitrogen utilization efficiency was positively correlated with nitrogen harvest index and negatively with nitrogen concentration in vegetative parts at maturity. Most trait differences were less evident within species than between species. Overall, chickpea was found to outperform other legumes in semiarid Mediterranean conditions in terms of nitrogen accumulation in seeds and nitrogen utilization efficiency.

In vitro and in vivo analyses of the nutritive value of native and ensiled partial crop field peas

This study was conducted to determine the effect of ensiling on the nutritive value of partial crop field peas. The field peas were harvested with approximately 500 g dry matter (DM) at a cutting height of 25 cm and ensiled without previous wilting or use of inoculants. In vitro gas production kinetics were determined in ruminal fluid batch cultures. The apparent total tract digestibility of crude nutrients, detergent fibers and gross energy and the content of metabolizable energy and net energy lactation of native and ensiled peas was determined in a digestibility trial with wethers. Microbial nitrogen efficiency was calculated on the basis of allantoin excreted via the urine. The pea silage was characterized by a low pH (4.1) and contained relevant quantities of lactic acid (56.3 g/kg DM) and acetic acid (16.8 g/kg DM). The proportions of crude protein, starch and nitrogen-free extracts were slightly increased in the silage, while the concentrations of fiber fractions decreased. Soluble protein was increased in the silage from 56% to 66% of crude protein due to increasing non-protein nitrogen concentrations. Gas production was higher in ensiled than in native peas (P < 0.001). Apparent digestibility of crude protein and acid ether extract increased in the silage by 3% and 10% points, respectively. Digestibility of crude fiber, neutral detergent fiber and acid detergent fiber decreased by 9%, 6% and 5% points, respectively (P < 0.05). The contents of metabolizable energy and net energy lactation increased by 0.5 and 0.3 MJ/kg DM, respectively (P < 0.05). The microbial nitrogen efficiency tended to be higher in animals that received ensiled partial crop peas (P > 0.05), but strongly depended on individual excretion quantities. In conclusion, ensiling of partial crop field peas with approximately 500 g DM/kg at harvest led to well conserved feed with increased concentrations of nutrients and content of energy.

Butyrylcholinesterase inhibitory activity of peptides identified from yellow field pea (Pisum sativum) enzymatic protein hydrolysates

Butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE) is an enzyme implicated in Alzheimer’s disease due to the excessive breakdown of neurotransmitters. The study screened and synthesized de novo peptides derived from yellow field pea as BuChE activity inhibitors. The conformational changes of the enzyme were evaluated to confirm interaction with the peptides, along with mode of inhibition by the peptide and their binding affinity. The result showed no significant conformational changes of the enzyme after interaction with peptides. The catalytic parameters were low indicating strong affinity at low peptide concentrations and maximum velocity (Vmax) decreased with increasing peptide concentration for all the peptides. Peptides with mixed inhibition mode had low docking energy scores suggesting high affinity for BuChE and peptide-enzyme interaction were through catalytic triad and /or peripheral anionic site. Results revealed that peptides derived from yellow field pea protein could be potential inhibitors of BuChE activity and probably effective in AD therapy.

Influence of pulse–wheat crop rotations on aggregate size distribution dynamics in the brown soil zone in southern Alberta, Canada

Diversification of conventional cereal-based cropping systems with pulse crops may aid producers to grow crops in an appropriate sequence and frequency with environmental, social, and economic benefits. This study examined the effects of including three pulse crops with different rooting depths (shallow- and deep-rooted) in wheat-based crop rotations on soil aggregate size distribution under semi-arid and rain-fed conditions. A 4 year cycle rotational study was established in Brooks, AB, using five selected treatments: continuous wheat, wheat alternately grown with lentil, field pea, or chickpea, or lentil and chickpea alternately grown with wheat. Soils were collected from 0–5 cm depth and dry-sieved to produce eight aggregate size classes, &lt;0.053, 0.053–0.125, 0.125–0.149, 0.149–0.05, 0.05–1.0, 1.0–2.0, 2.0–6.35, and &gt;6.35 mm. The continuous wheat treatment improved the macro-aggregates (&gt;6.35 mm) development, whereas the rotations with pulse–wheat crops increased the micro- and meso-aggregates (0.50–1.0 and 0.15–0.5 mm) development. Soils sampled at 0–15 cm depth were used for soil organic matter and microbial analysis. The pulse–wheat rotations collectively had more light fraction organic matter (LFOM) than the continuous wheat, and chickpea alternated with wheat had the highest amount of LFOM in both years. All treatments had similar soil microbial biomass and microbial community composition. Our study underscores the contribution of pulse crops in cereal-based cropping systems in the formation of small aggregates.

Time of Harvest as the Determinant of Dry Matter Productivity and Chemical Composition of Field Pea (Pisum sativum) and Oat (Avena sativa) and their Mixture in the Abandoned Lands of Subtropical Terai Nepal

The grass-legume mixture formulation is an important criterion to improve biomass availability with an improved balance of the nutritive components. The objective ofthis reseach was to determine the yield and forage quality traits (green fodder yield, dry matter yield) and chemical composition (protein, fibre and mineral contents) of field pea (Pisum sativum) and oat (Avena sativa) and their mixtures under subtropical conditions. The experiment was performed over 4 months (December 2018 to March 2019) at Agriculture and Forestry University Livestock Farm, Rampur, Chitwan, Nepal, using four different treatment mixture rates of pea and oat crops. Treatments were; treatment-1 - 100% Pea+0% Oat, treatment-2 - 75% Pea+25% Oat, treatment-3 -50% Pea+50% Oat and treatment-4 - 25% Pea+75% Oat) and samples were collected in three different cutting stages (the jointing stage of oat, the stage oat in scabbard and milk dough stage of oat). The plant height was affected by the growing days while the tillers and branches in peas respectively were affected by both the time of harvest and the seed proportions. According to the results, it is suggested that the highest dry matter productivity was observed in 75% pea mix with 25% oat in the 3rd harvest, followed by 75% oat mix with 25% pea in the 3rd harvest. As well as, within intercrops, the best protein yield was obtained in a 50% oat mix with 50% pea (16.73%) at 1st harvest oat-pea intercropping. Besides, the pea + oat mixture should be harvested at the milk-dough stage of oat for better protein content and to increase the nutritive value of forage.

A Comprehensive Review of Pea (Pisum sativum L.): Chemical Composition, Processing, Health Benefits, and Food Applications.

Pisum sativum L., commonly referred to as dry, green, or field pea, is one of the most common legumes that is popular and economically important. Due to its richness in a variety of nutritional and bioactive ingredients, the consumption of pea has been suggested to be associated with a wide range of health benefits, and there has been increasing focus on its potential as a functional food. However, there have been limited literature reviews concerning the bioactive compounds, health-promoting effects, and potential applications of pea up to now. This review, therefore, summarizes the literature from the last ten years regarding the chemical composition, physicochemical properties, processing, health benefits, and potential applications of pea. Whole peas are rich in macronutrients, including proteins, starches, dietary fiber, and non-starch polysaccharides. In addition, polyphenols, especially flavonoids and phenolic acids, are important bioactive ingredients that are mainly distributed in the pea coats. Anti-nutritional factors, such as phytic acid, lectin, and trypsin inhibitors, may hinder nutrient absorption. Whole pea seeds can be processed by different techniques such as drying, milling, soaking, and cooking to improve their functional properties. In addition, physicochemical and functional properties of pea starches and pea proteins can be improved by chemical, physical, enzymatic, and combined modification methods. Owing to the multiple bioactive ingredients in peas, the pea and its products exhibit various health benefits, such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anti-renal fibrosis, and regulation of metabolic syndrome effects. Peas have been processed into various products such as pea beverages, germinated pea products, pea flour-incorporated products, pea-based meat alternatives, and encapsulation and packing materials. Furthermore, recommendations are also provided on how to better utilize peas to promote their development as a sustainable and functional grain. Pea and its components can be further developed into more valuable and nutritious products.

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The cultivation of mixtures of legumes and cereals contributes to biodiversity and can provide good-quality roughage for direct feeding of livestock. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the effect of the share of components in a mixture of pea and spring triticale and the timing of harvesting on the calcium and magnesium content of green mass. The field experiment was conducted in 2016–2018 and two factors were studied: I. The proportion of components in the mixture: field pea – 100%, spring triticale – 100%, field pea 75% + spring triticale 25%, field pea 50% + spring triticale 50%, field pea 25% + spring triticale 75%. II. Harvesting date: flowering stage of field pea, flat green pod stage of field pea. The highest content of calcium and magnesium was found in field pea, while among the mixtures, in the one with 75% of field pea and 25% of spring triticale. A higher content of the mineral elements in question was found in mixtures harvested at the field pea flowering stage compared with mixtures harvested at the stage of the flat green pod of field pea. Due to the mass relationship between macronutrients, the green mass of mixtures of pea and spring triticale should not be the only feed for livestock.

Ensiling and thermic treatment effects on ruminal carbohydrate fermentation and post-ruminal crude protein concentration in partial-crop peas and faba beans

This study was conducted to examine effects of ensiling, toasting or ensiling plus toasting in partial-crop field peas and faba beans harvested each with 375 g dry matter/kg (Biologische Bundesanstalt, Bundessortenamt und Chemische Industrie (BBCH) scale 79 and 81, respectively) on gas production and post-ruminal crude protein (PRCP) concentration byin vitro incubation in ruminal fluid batch-cultures. The silages made from partial-crop field peas and faba beans (Rostock Model Silages) had a pH of 4.3 and 4.6, respectively, and were not typically lactic acid dominated. The silages remained stable after opening for 100 h (peas) and 168 h (faba beans). Toasting was simulated in a drying oven at 160 °C for 60 min. Post-incubation pH and gas accumulation profiles were little affected by treatment. Ensiling did not alter effective PRCP. Toasting and ensiling plus toasting increased effective PRCP up to 25 and 20%-points in peas and up to 35 and 11%-points in faba beans, respectively. Ensiling increased non-protein nitrogen and soluble protein concentration, whilst toasting decreased soluble protein. Significant correlations existed between protein fraction B3 (neutral detergent-insoluble protein) and effective PRCP (r≥0.84;P&lt;0.05) and fraction C (acid detergent-insoluble protein) and effective PRCP (r≥0.79;P&lt;0.05). Ensiling and toasting both decreased arginine and lysine levels. It was concluded that partial-crop peas and faba beans with BBCH 79 and 81, respectively, can provide readily available nutrients and high-quality fibre in the residual plant. However, preserving by ensiling required balance between the reduction of non-protein nitrogen and fermentability characteristics. Toasting reduced protein solubility and increased PRCP, but it was not clear if PRCP was usable for ruminants or was partially bound into Maillard polymers.

Genetic Variability, Heritability and Genetic Advance Studies in Field Pea (Pisum sativum L.) for Yield and its Attributing Traits

An investigation was carried out with 48 genotypes of pea obtained through line x tester mating and were tested using a randomized block experimental design with three replications. The result showed a highly significant difference for all the 14 characters under study. The variability, heritability and genetic advance as percent mean were studied for all the characters. A high genotypic coefficient of variation was observed for the traits number of secondary branches, plant height, number of pods per plant, harvest index, nodules fresh weight and nodules dry weight. High heritability coupled with high genetic advance estimates was recorded for the number of secondary branches, plant height, pod length, number of seeds per pod, number of pods per plant, 100 seed weight, grain yield per plant, harvest index, nodules fresh weight and nodules dry weight indicating the role of additive gene action and selection for these traits could be reliable.

First Report of Fusarium commune Causing Root Rot of Field Peas in Canada.

A survey on field pea (Pisum sativum) root rot was carried out in Prince Edward Island (PEI) and New Brunswick (NB), Canada, between July and August, 2018. The average disease incidence was 75% and 78%, and severity was 3.5 and 2.8 on a 1 to 7 scale for NB and PEI, respectively (Schneider and Kelly 2000). Symptoms included seedling stunting, root rot, and wilting. Surface sterilized diseased root segments were incubated on water agar at 25°C for 5 days. Pure isolates were obtained by single spore culturing. A total of 210 isolates were identified as Fusarium spp. Five isolates were identified as F. commune by morphological and molecular characteristics (Leslie and Summerell, 2006; Skovgaard et al. 2003). The isolates on Potato Dextrose Agar produced whitish fluffy mycelia on the upper surface and grayish yellow coloration on the bottom surface of the colony cultured at 25°C in darkness. The isolates on carnation leaf agar at 25°C in darkness formed abundant chlamydospores and macroconidia but rare microconidia with 0 to1 septa, measuring 6.2 to 12.5 x 2.7 to 3.6 µm (n = 5). Macroconidia were typically fusiform with a slightly curved apical cell and a foot-shaped basal cell, bending equally toward both ends. Three-septate conidia were 26.8 to 39.3 x 3.6 to 4.5 µm (n = 20) and five-septate conidia were 56.2 to 64.3 x 4.5 to 5.4 µm in size (n = 10). Chlamydospores were smooth, terminal, and single, 7 to 12.5 µm in diameter (n = 20). Genomic DNA of the five isolates were used to amplify and sequence the translation elongation factor 1α (TEF-1α) and the mitochondrial small subunit ribosomal DNA (mtSSU rDNA) using EF1/EF2 and NSM1/NSM2 primer pairs (White et al 1990; O'Donnell et al 2000), respectively, which were used to define the F. commune (Skovgaard et al. 2003). The mtSSU rDNA sequences were deposited in GenBank, OP752229 to OP752232 and OP752234 for isolates GR11-8, GR11-9, GR1-21, FRDC11-1 and FRDC11-2, respectively, and the TEF-1α sequences were assigned OP831956 to OP831959 and OP831961 for GR11-8, GR11-9, GR1-21, FRDC11-1, and FRDC11-2, respectively. The sequence similarities of the five isolates with ex holotype culture NRRL 31076 ranged from 98.69% to 99.79% for the TEF-1α (AF362263.1), with the matching base pairs of 526/533, 523/528, 483/484, 497/502 and 527/533, respectively, and 99.83 to 100% for the mtSSU rDNA (AF362279.1), with the matching base pairs of 633/634, 633/634, 600/601, 633/634, and 621/621, respectively. The sequences of mtSSU rDNA and TEF-1α for the F. commune type species and related Fusarium species were retrieved from NCBI. A phylogenetic tree constructed using the combined sequences of mtSSU rDNA and TEF-1α showed the five isolates clustered with F. commune. Three isolates (GR11-8, GR11-9, GR1-21) were used for pathogenicity testing with four replicates of four plants each and the trial was repeated twice. Seeds of field pea (CDC Limerick) were soaked in 2% sodium hypochlorite for 2 minutes, washed three times with sterilized distilled water, and then were soaked in conidial suspension at 2 × 106 conidia / mL or in sterilized distilled water as a control for 16 h in darkness at 20°C. Seeds were placed in sterilized vermiculite in a greenhouse at 24 / 18°C day / night temperature with a 16 h photoperiod. Three weeks after planting, the tested isolates were observed to cause seed decay, root rot, and seedling stunting, with disease severity ranging from 5 to 7 based on 1 to 7 scale in repeated trials. No symptoms were observed on the control plants. F. commune isolates were re-isolated and confirmed by sequencing the mtSSU rDNA and TEF-1α. F. commune was reported in Alberta causing soybean root rot (Zhou et al. 2018) but this is the first report of F. commune causing root rot of field pea in Canada. Considering its high pathogenicity in field pea and in soybean, the prevalence, host range and geographic distribution of this pathogen need further study.

Fertilizer management and incorporation of legumes on performance of maize (Zea mays L.) in western hills of Nepal

One of the main obstacles limiting the production of the improved potential crops in Nepal is the low and diminishing productivity of soils. There is a need to take urgent measures to establish good agricultural management practices that check the rate of deterioration and build up soil fertility, In this regard, an experiment was conducted to determine the rotational effect of legumes and nutrient management on performance of maize at Horticulture Research Station (HRS), Dailekh, Nepal during 2018 and 2019. The experiment was laid out in split plot design which consists 4 cropping systems: fallow–maize, lentil-maize, chickpea–maize and field pea–maize as main plot and 4 combinations of manures and fertilizers: control, recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF), Farmyard Manure (FYM), and RDF (50%) + FYM (50%) as sub-plot which were replicated three times. The highest grain yield of 1598 kg ha−1 was obtained from field pea followed by 1388 kg ha−1 in chickpea and 1151 kg/ha in lentil and significantly higher grain yield of 1707 kg ha−1 was obtained from the application of FYM alone. Results obtained showed that yield of maize was increased by 28.8%, 13.5% and 12.7% by use of legumes: chickpea, lentil and field pea, respectively as rotational crop over fallow-maize cropping system. Similarly, the data revealed that significantly higher growth characters of maize were recorded from application of RDF followed by combination of RDF plus FYM. The grain yield of maize was increased by 68.4%, 38.5% and 16.4% from the application of RDF, RDF plus FYM and FYM alone, respectively over control plots. The incorporation of grain legumes like chickpea, lentil and field pea can be effective as rotational crop with maize and application of organic and inorganic fertilizer increase productivity of legumes as well as maize which make viable alternative to agricultural sustainability.

Does Increasing the Diversity of Small Grain Cropping Systems Improve Aggregate Stability and Soil Hydraulic Properties?

Wheat (Triticum aestivium L.) and barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) are two commonly grown cereal crops in the northern Great Plains. Adding other crops such as field pea (Pisum Sativum L.), canola (Brassica napus L.), or camelina (Camelina sativa L.) to wheat or barley cropping systems may improve soil quality. However, little is known about the effects of including oilseeds in small grain cropping systems on soil physical properties. We sampled an 8-year dryland study with 10 different cropping systems including continuous spring wheat, continuous winter wheat, continuous barley, pea–spring wheat, pea–barley, pea–winter wheat, pea–barley–camelina–spring wheat, pea–barley–canola–spring wheat, pea–winter wheat–camelina–spring wheat and pea–winter wheat–canola–spring wheat. We measured dry aggregate stability, wet aggregate stability, water retention, hydraulic conductivity, bulk density and total carbon. Continuous barley and winter wheat had a higher fraction of large dry soil aggregates, whereas the pea–barley–canola–spring wheat and pea–spring wheat cropping systems had a higher fraction of small aggregates in the 0–15 cm depth. However, wet aggregate stability, water retention, bulk density, hydraulic conductivity and soil carbon concentration were not affected by the cropping system in the 0–15 cm depth. Diversifying small grain cropping systems by adding canola or camelina oil seeds and peas generally did not affect soil physical properties at this location.

Influence of Different Levels of NPK and Biochar on Physico-chemical Properties of Soil in Field Pea

An experiment was conducted during in Rabi season (December 2021 – March 2022) on central research farm of Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with three levels of NPK and Biochar (0, 50 and 100%). The result shows that application of different levels combination of inorganic fertilizers increased growth, yield of field pea and improved soil chemical properties. It was recorded from the application of NPK and Biochar fertilizers in treatment T9 [NPK @ 100% + Biochar @ 100%] maximum bulk density 1.274 Mg m-3 at and 1.279 Mg m-3, particle density 2.518 Mg m-3 and 1.523 Mg m-3, % pore space 47.71% and 44.68%, water holding capacity 39.75% and 36.82%, pH 7.05 at and 7.15 at, EC 0.473 dS m-1 and 0.479 dS m-1, organic carbon 0.497% and 0.495%, available nitrogen 314.56 kg ha-1 and 311.55 kg ha-1, available phosphorus 38.70 kg ha-1 and 36.28 kg ha-1, available potassium 220.42 kg ha-1 and 217.67 kg ha-1 all parameters at 0-15 cm and 15-30 cm best from T1 [ NPK @ 0% + Biochar @ 0 %].

Low phytic acid pea supplementation as an approach to combating iron deficiency in female runners: A randomized control trial.

Background: Iron deficiency (ID) is the most prevalent micronutrient deficiency in the world and the leading cause of anemia globally. Female athletes are at a disproportionate risk for ID due to blood loss through menstruation and decreased iron absorption secondary to exercise. Field peas are a rich source of iron but, similar to iron from other plant-based sources, the iron has limited bioavailability due to high levels of phytic acid, an inherent compound that binds to cations, creating a salt (phytate), which limits absorption during digestion. Aim: The purpose of our research was to investigate the effect of a field pea variety bred to have low levels of phytic acid on plasma ferritin, exercise performance, and body composition in female runners. Methods: Twenty-eight female runners (age:34.6 ± 9.7 years; weight: 65.1 ± 8.1 kg; VO2max: 50.7 ± 8.9 ml/kg/min) underwent measures of ferritin, exercise performance, and body composition before and after being randomly assigned to consume a powder derived from regular peas, low phytic acid peas, or a non-pea control (maltodextrin), plus vitamin C for 8 weeks. Results: The regular pea and low phytic acid pea groups had a 14.4% and 5.1% increase in plasma ferritin, respectively, while the maltodextrin group had a decrease of 2.2%; however, the difference in changes between groups was not statistically significant. No differences between groups were evident in any of the other measures. Conclusion: Larger doses or longer duration of pea supplementation may be necessary to induce meaningful changes in iron status. This trial was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04872140).

Influence of Bio-fertilizers and Plant Geometry on Growth, Yield and Economics of Field Pea (Pisum sativum L.)

A field experiment was conducted during Rabi 2022 at Crop Research Farm, Department of Agronomy, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj (U.P) to determine the “Influence of Bio-fertilizers and Plant geometry on growth, yield and economics of field pea (Pisum sativum L.)”, The soil of experimental plot was sandy loam in texture, nearly neutral in soil reaction (pH 8.0), low in organic carbon (0.62 %), available N (225 kg/ha), available P (38.2 kg/ha) and available K (240.7 kg/ha),to study the response of plant geometry (20x20 cm,30x10 cm,40x10c m) with the combination of biofertilizers such as, rhizobium (20 g), PSB (20 g) and rhizobium (20 g) + PSB (20 g). The experiment laid out in RBD with 10 treatments each replicated thrice .the results showed that treatment 9 recorded significantly higher plant height (44.57 cm), maximum number of nodules/plant (7.12), higher plant dry weight (15.32 g), maximum number of pods/plant (20.13), maximum number of seeds/pod (4.00), higher seed index (18.57g), higher seed yield (1243.67kg), maximum straw yield (2656.21kg), higher harvest index (32.93%), maximum gross returns (1,19,838), maximum net returns (85,504) and highest Benefit cost ratio of (2.49) was recorded.

Influence of Biofungicides Containing Microorganisms Such as Pythium oligandrum and Bacillus subtilis on Yield, Morphological Parameters, and Pathogen Suppression in Six Winter Pea Cultivars

Field peas (Pisum sativum L.) are a valuable source of protein and help to support crop biodiversity in a sustainable agriculture system. To maintain varied crop rotation in sustainable production, it is advisable to include the winter form of pea, which is an excellent alternative to the spring form. However, the prolonged development of winter peas when weather patterns are unfavorable can adversely affect the morphological features and the health of the plants. The literature lacks studies on this issue. The objective of this study was to evaluate the morphological characteristics, yield, and canopy health of selected cultivars of winter peas. The study was conducted at the Prusy Experimental Station of the University of Agriculture in Krakow, located near Krakow, Poland (50°07′28″ N, 20°05′34″ E), during two growing seasons. The study evaluated six cultivars of winter peas and two means of protecting the canopy, with biological products containing Pythium oligandrum (Polyversum WP) or Bacillus subtilis (Serenade ASO). The yield, yield structure, efficiency of N uptake, and health of the plants were assessed. Crop protection treatments using Polyversum WP and Serenade ASO were shown to effectively protect winter peas against Fusarium wilt, which occurred only in the Specter and Arkta cultivars sprayed with Serenade. Polyversum WP increased the productivity of winter peas on average by 0.5 t ha−1 and increased the efficiency of nitrogen uptake on average by 10 kg ha−1 in comparison to the control. The Aviron and Arkta cultivars are recommended for cultivation in the conditions of Central Europe due to their high yield potential, high efficiency of nitrogen uptake, and good canopy health.

Assessment and quantification of some short term ecosystem services in garden pea field

It is necessary to classify, quantify, and evaluate ecosystem services (ES) for understanding related ecosystem value. Garden pea (Pisums ativum L.), also called pea, herbaceous annual plant in the family leguminous, grown nearly worldwide for edible seeds. It contributes to the sustainability of the agricultural ecosystems. However, there is no information about the provision and consumption of ES in garden pea fields. The main objective of this study was to provide a first evidence base from ES provided by garden pea fields. Therefore, we developed a quantitative framework for assessing and quantifying ES of four different varieties of garden pea. For this purpose, a field experiment was carried out in the research farm of Gorgan University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources (northeast of Iran), during 2019–2020. In this study, we developed a framework for quantifying of ES based on the modified Millennium Ecosystem Assessment (MEA). The results showed that garden pea cultivation increased microbial respiration, soil organic matter, and carbon accumulation. Based on the results, varieties had significant effects on soil carbon accumulation. Peas Wolf and Pea Wolf cultivars with 1206.6 kg/ha carbon accumulation had the highest amount, and Reyna cultivar with −1876.9 kg/ha carbon accumulation had the lowest value. In this experiment, Peas Wolf and Utrillo cultivars provided more ES in terms of dry weight, the number of nodule, and root volume as nitrogen biofixation potential. In general, Peas Wolf compared to Utrillo cultivar was more successful in providing regulating services. However, Utrillo cultivar provided more provision services (14,520 kg/ha green yield, 23,680 kg/ha green biomass and 23,62% protein). In addition, different cultivars of garden pea had positive effects on the transfer of carbon from the atmosphere to the soil.

Potentials of legumes rotation on yield and nitrogen uptake of subsequent wheat crop in northern Ethiopia

Nitrogen has becoming the most limiting nutrient in the northern highlands of Ethiopia due to continuous cropping with application of limited external inputs. To improve soil nutrient availability, farmers have been using legumes in crop rotation. However, the roles of various legumes on subsequent wheat (Triticum aestivum) crop are unknown in northern Ethiopia. The objective of this study was to investigate impacts of legumes on yield and N uptake of subsequent wheat crop. Experiment was conducted at farmer's field with faba bean (Vicia faba L.), ‘dekeko’ field pea (Pisum sativum var. abyssinicum), field pea (Pisum sativum), lentil (Lens culinaris) and wheat (Triticum spp.) in the first season and all plots were rotated by wheat in the second season. Yield of subsequent wheat crop was recorded and N uptake was analyzed. The result revealed that grain yield and dry biomass yields of subsequent wheat crop were significantly (p < 0.05) higher in the legume-wheat rotations than in the wheat-wheat rotation. The wheat yield is increased by 2196, 1616, 1254 and 1065 kg ha−1 and the N uptake is increased by 71.4%, 51.0%, 49.2% and 29.8% in the faba bean-wheat, ‘dekeko’-wheat, field pea-wheat and lentil-wheat rotation plots compared to the wheat continuous cropping, respectively. The findings indicated that legumes improved yield and N uptake of the subsequent wheat crop. Thus, soil fertility management policy need to consider legume crop rotations as nutrient management option to improve sustainable soil fertility and yield.

Incorporated cover crop residue suppresses weed seed germination

AbstractCover crops have been shown to be important integrated weed management tools. In addition to directly competing with weeds, cover crops can provide weed suppressive effects following incorporation through release of allelopathic compounds and/or changes to nutrient availability. Incorporation of a cover crop mixture may provide a synergistic or antagonistic effect on weed suppression by further altering nutrient dynamics. To investigate this phenomenon, we evaluated the suppressive effects following incorporation of annual ryegrass, buckwheat, brown mustard, and phacelia sown with and without field pea on germination and growth of several pernicious weed species. Further, we used the additive partitioning model to determine if pea synergistically improved biomass production and weed suppression of cover crops. Our results demonstrate that following incorporation, cover crop residues suppress weed germination and weed biomass production. According to the additive partitioning model, the addition of pea had an antagonistic effect on buckwheat and brown mustard biomass production and decreased buckwheat weed suppression by 8%. In contrast, the addition of field pea greatly enhanced biomass production of phacelia at a reduced seeding rate suggesting a positive biodiversity effect. Limited evidence was found for changes to nutrient availability following cover crop incorporation, however, a dose‐dependent effect of cover crop residue on weed suppression suggests allelopathy and/or nutrient availability may have a role on weed seed germination success. Together, our results support the use of incorporated cover crop residues as an integrated weed management tool.

PEAS AS A FACTOR INCREASING THE PRODUCTIVITY OF AGROPHYTOCENOSES

The article presents the results of studies of the productivity of annual crops agrophytocenoses with peas depending on the use of different doses of mineral fertilizers and pre-sowing seed treatment with microelements. According to the biological characteristics of growth and development, the cereal components of grass mixtures differ in the duration of the growing season. Thus, the phase of milky ripeness of spring barley occurs 8-10 days earlier than that of spring triticale and 18-20 days earlier than that of oats. It was found that the created two- and three-component agrophytocenoses consisting of spring triticale, peas and white mustard were 19.5-27.6 % higher in green mass yield compared to spring barley in a mixture with peas and white mustard. The yield of dry matter was 8.42-8.93 and 1.132-1.189 t/ha of crude protein, which was 1.6-1.7 times higher than in the agrophytocenosis with spring barley as the dominant crop. The effectiveness of nitrogen fertilizers at a dose of 60 kg/ha of active ingredient, which provide an increase in the height of field pea plants - by 14.7 and 12.1% of fodder oats, compared to the application of 30 kg/ha on the background of phosphorus-potassium fertilizer (P30K30), was established. The treatment of seeds of both components of agrophytocenosis with microelements Zn and Mo, which was carried out before sowing, stimulated the growth processes of crops. Thus, the height of plants in fodder oats increased by 3.4-6.7 cm and in field peas - by 4.9-5.5 cm on the mineral background of nutrition. The positive effect of mineral fertilisers in a dose of N60P30K30 and seed treatment with trace elements Zn and Mo on the yield of nutrients in the agrophytocenosis was proved. A binary mixture of field peas with a seeding rate of 40% of the full seeding rate and fodder oats of 60% provided the highest dry matter yield of 10.3 and 2.24 t/ha of crude protein. It can be argued about the agrobiological feasibility of growing fodder oats and spring triticale with high-protein crops, which provide a conveyor supply of plant raw materials for harvesting various types of feed and the efficiency of using agrometeorological resources during the period of harvest formation.