Pea Cultivation Research Articles

Investigating Genetic Diversity and Correlations Between Mineral Concentration and Neurotoxin (β-ODAP) Content in the Lathyrus Genus

Grass pea (Lathyrus sativus L.) is a nutritious legume crop well-adapted to fragile agro-ecosystems that can survive under challenging climatic conditions. The cultivation of grass pea faces stigma primarily due to the presence of β-N-Oxalyl-L-α, β-diaminopropionic acid (β-ODAP), which is associated with a risk of inducing neurolathyrism upon prolonged consumption of its grains as a staple diet. The grass pea improvement program of the International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA) aims to reduce β-ODAP content to a safe level along with improving yield potential and nutritional quality of grass pea. In this study, 183 germplasm accessions representing 13 different Lathyrus species and 11 L. sativus breeding lines were evaluated for β-ODAP content based on Rao protocol and mineral concentration using ICP-OES. Significant variability was observed among the accessions for the studied traits. The results showed low β-ODAP content and high mineral concentration in 25 accessions of crop wild relatives, which included L. cicera, L. ochrus, and L. cassius, with one accession IG65277 of L. cassius, in addition to two lines, IG117034 and ACC1335, of L. sativus having very low β-ODAP content. Furthermore, some accessions of L. pseudocicera, L. aphaca, L. cicera, L. marmoratus, L. gorgoni, and L. tingitanus also showed low β-ODAP content. The results showed significant positive correlations among different trait combinations, viz., K and P (r = 0.193 ***), K and Fe (r = 0.177 ***), Mn and Fe (r = 0.210 ***), Mn and Se (r = 0.137 ***), β-ODAP and Mg (r = 0.158 **), and β-ODAP and Ca (r = 0.140 **). L. cicera, L. ochrus, and L. cassius were identified as a great source for improving the mineral concentration and reducing β-ODAP content in the cultivated grass pea.

An Algerian Soil-Living Streptomyces alboflavus Strain as Source of Antifungal Compounds for the Management of the Pea Pathogen Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. pisi

Fusarium wilt caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. pisi (Fop) poses significant threats to pea cultivation worldwide. Controlling this disease is mainly achieved through the integration of various disease management procedures, among which biological control has proven to be a safe and effective approach. This study aims to extract and identify antifungal secondary metabolites from Streptomyces alboflavus KRO3 strain and assess their effectiveness in inhibiting the in vitro growth of Fop. This bacterial strain exerts in vitro antagonistic activity against Fop, achieving highly significant inhibition over one week. The ethyl acetate extract, obtained from its ISP2 agar medium culture, also exhibited strong antifungal activity, maintaining an inhibition rate of approximately 90% at concentrations up to 250 µg/plug compared to the control. Thus, the organic extract has been fractionated using chromatographic techniques and its bioguided purification allowed us to isolate the main bioactive compound. This latter was identified as metacycloprodigiosin using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS), and specific optical rotation data. Metacycloprodigiosin demonstrates dose-dependent inhibitory activity against the phytopathogen with an effective concentration of 125 µg/plug. The other secondary metabolites present in the ethyl acetate extract were also identified by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). This study highlighted the potential of S. alboflavus KRO3 strain and its antimicrobial compounds for the management of the pea pathogen Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. pisi.

Circumstantial factors and local collaboration determine farmers' perceptions and practices on circular bioeconomy – examples from Southern Sweden

Economic systems that rely on linear growth and non-renewable resources have enhanced environmental impact of agricultural practices at a global scale. The literature portrays an urgent need to align agricultural practices with economic pathways that utilize and regenerate biological resources more. Circular bioeconomy promotes means for the agri-food sector to close, narrow, and slow biological resource flows. As farmers have a pivotal role in facilitating a transition to circular bioeconomy, this study analyzes farmers' perceptions and practices related to circular bioeconomy. Based on 11 semi-structured interviews with Swedish farmers the study highlights the role of pea cultivation as a tangible means to facilitate circular bioeconomy within the agri-food sector. The empirical findings of the study depict how farmers facilitate circular bioeconomy by closing, slowing and narrowing biological flows through waste management practices, technological means, and regenerative practices. The overarching results show how circumstantial factors such as inflation, market demand and regulations influence farmers perceptions and practices on circular bioeconomy, and how local networks and collaboration can facilitate cascading use and valorization of waste and by-products.

Design Development and Performance Evaluation of Solar Operated Pigeon Pea (Cajanus cajan L. Millsp.) Pruner

Pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan L. Millsp.) is a vital grain legume known for its contribution to food security and soil fertility. However, pruning, which enhances plant architecture and yield, remains a significant challenge in its cultivation, especially in large-scale operations. Manual pruning is labor-intensive, time-consuming, and costly, which has led to the need for mechanized alternatives, a solar-operated pruner was developed at IGKV, Raipur, to reduce labour, time, and costs. This study focuses on the design, development, and performance evaluation of a solar-operated pruner tailored specifically for pigeon pea. The pruner integrates key components such as a cutting blade, DC motor, solar panel, battery, and charge controller. A 12 V DC motor, generating 10.53 N of force and operating at 8500 RPM, ensures efficient pruning. The motor is powered by a 7.2 Ah battery, which can be charged in 4 hours using an AC adaptor or 8 hours via a 10 W solar panel. The battery allows for 4-6 hours of continuous operation. The pruner's lightweight PVC frame makes it portable and user-friendly, while the protective blade guard ensures operator safety. Performance evaluation of the pruner indicated a field efficiency of 81% and pruning efficiency of 76%. The actual field capacity was measured at 0.097 ha/h, with a walking speed of 1.2 km/h. Losses due to half-cut stems were calculated at 9.04%. The pruner demonstrated its ability to reduce labor costs, improve pruning efficiency, and promote sustainable agriculture through its solar-powered operation. This study highlights the economic and environmental benefits of adopting solar-operated pruners for pigeon pea cultivation.

A study on cost of cultivation and various income measures of pea in Jhansi district of Bundelkhand region of Uttar Pradesh

A study on cost of cultivation and various income measures of pea in Jhansi district of Bundelkhand region of Uttar Pradesh

Harnessing Plant Growth–Promoting and Wilt‐Controlling Biopotential of a Consortium of Actinomycetes and Mycorrhizae in Pigeon Pea

ABSTRACTFusarium‐induced wilt significantly affects the cultivation and yield of pigeon peas. This warrants sustainable disease management while promoting plant growth. The present study investigated the biopotential of coinoculation of Streptomyces pseudogriseolus S‐9 and Rhizophagus irregularis for plant growth promotion and mitigation of the impact of Fusarium wilt on pigeon pea over three seasons at pot and field levels. Pigeon pea plants were subjected to Fusarium wilt stress and treated with different inoculation strategies, including single and combined applications of S. pseudogriseolus S‐9 and R. irregularis. Plant growth parameters and yields were assessed to evaluate the efficacy of the coinoculation. In the pot experiment, T‐6 treatment resulted in the longest root (62.56 ± 0.01 cm) and shoot (70.24 ± 0.01 cm) lengths compared to the application of commercial biofungicide T‐8 (Trichoderma). This treatment also significantly influenced the yield of potted plants. It resulted in the highest fresh root weight (62.27 ± 0.01 g), fresh shoot weight (70.24 ± 0.02 g), maximum root (55.25 ± 0.01 g) and shoot dry weights (52.25 ± 0.01 g). In the field experiment, pigeon pea plants treated with the bioinoculant also demonstrated a substantial increase (р ≤ 0.05) in total grain yield, the weight of 100 grains, and the number of filled grains compared to the control group in all experimental seasons. In vitro, antagonism assay of compatibility of mycorrhizae and bacteria showed good activity using powder formulation. Thus, the consortium application inspired the broad application of Streptomyces and Trichoderma as effective bioinoculants for wilt management and yield improvement in pigeon peas.

Biomass Partitioning, Carbon Storage, and Pea (Pisum sativum L.) Crop Production under a Grewia optiva-Based Agroforestry System in the Mid-Hills of the Northwestern Himalayas

A well-designed tree-based culture provides multiple benefits, aiding in achieving sustainable development goals (SDGs), especially SDG1 (no poverty), SDG2 (zero hunger), SDG13 (climate action), and SDG15 (life on land). A split-plot field experiment near Solan, Himachal Pradesh, tested the following Grewia optiva tree spacings as main plots: S1 10 m × 1 m, S2 10 m × 2 m, S3 10 m × 3 m, and sole cropping (S0—Open) of pea (Pisum sativum L.). Pea cultivation included the following six fertilizer treatments as subplots: control (no application), farmyard manure (FYM), vermicompost (VC), Jeevamrut, FYM + VC, and the recommended dose of fertilizers (RDFs), each replicated three times. The results indicated that the leaves, branches, total biomass, carbon density, and carbon sequestration rate of G. optiva alleys at 10 m × 1 m were greater than those at the other spacings. However, peas intercropped at 10 m × 3 m produced the highest yield (5.72 t ha−1). Compared with monocropping, G. optiva-based agroforestry significantly improved soil properties. Among fertilizers, FYM had the highest yield (6.04 t ha−1) and improved soil health. The most lucrative practice was the use of peas under a 10 m × 1 m spacing with FYM, with economic gains of 2046.1 USD ha−1. This study suggests integrating pea intercropping with G. optiva at broader spacing (10 m × 3 m) and using FYM for optimal carbon sequestration, soil health, and economic returns, and this approach is recommended for the region’s agroecosystems.

Metabolic profiling of pea (Pisum sativum) cultivars in changing environments: Implications for nutritional quality in animal feed

Field pea seeds have long been recognized as valuable feed ingredients for animal diets, due to their high-quality protein and starch digestibility. However, the chemical composition of pea cultivars can vary across different growing locations, consequently impacting their nutrient profiles. This study employs untargeted metabolomics in conjunction with the quantification of fatty acids and amino acids to explore the influence of three different growing locations in Spain (namely Andalusia, Aragon and Asturias), on the nutritional characteristics of seeds of various pea cultivars. Significant interactions between cultivar and environment were observed, with 121 metabolites distinguishing pea profiles. Lipids, lipid-like molecules, phenylpropanoids, polyketides, carbohydrates, and amino acids were the most affected metabolites. Fatty acid profiles varied across locations, with higher C16:0, C18:0, and 18:1 n-9 concentration in Aragón, while C18:2 n-6 predominated in Asturias and C18:3 n-3 in Andalusia. Amino acid content was also location-dependent, with higher levels in Asturias. These findings underscore the impact of environmental factors on pea metabolite profiles and emphasize the importance of selecting pea cultivars based on specific locations and animal requirements. Enhanced collaboration between research and industry is crucial for optimizing pea cultivation for animal feed production.

ВЛИЯНИЕ АГРОТЕХНОЛОГИИ ВОЗДЕЛЫВАНИЯ ГОРОХА НА БИОЛОГИЧЕСКИЕ И АГРОХИМИЧЕСКИЕ СВОЙСТВА ЛУГОВО-ЧЕРНОЗЕМНОЙ ПОЧВЫ

The aim of research is to establish patterns of changes in biological and agrochemical parameters of meadow-chernozem soil with long-term use of resource-saving treatments and chemicalization means in the conditions of the southern forest-steppe of Western Siberia. Stationary studies were conducted in the forest-steppe of the Omsk Region in a grain-fallow crop rotation (fallow – wheat – peas – wheat – barley) under a pea crop at the Omsk Agricultural Research Center. The parameters of changes in the number of individual physiological groups of microorganisms and indicators of biological activity of meadow-chernozem soil under peas were established using agricultural technologies with different levels of intensification, including the minimum-zero tillage system in crop rotation. It was determined that when using complex chemicalization agents in combination with No-till technology of soil cultivation, the activity of bacteria capable of fixing atmospheric nitrogen increased by 34 %, saprotrophic and amylolytic microorga¬nisms – by 13 and 17 % in relation to the control, respectively. The activity of the oxidation-reduction enzyme catalase when using intensification agents, regardless of the technology of pea cultivation, decreased to 28 % of the control. The use of intensification agents led to an increase in the content of nitrate nitrogen in the soil during the budding period, mobile phosphorus by 4 or more times. When assessing the anthropogenic impact on soil microflora, we used the definition of total biological activity, including all the studied biological tests in relative percentages. According to this indicator, soil cultivation options are arranged in a row in ascending order: combined < moldboard < minimum-zero.

Screening of Field Pea (Pisum sativum L.) Genotypes for their Susceptibility against Pod Borers

The present investigation on the varietal screening of 13 pea genotypes including a check was carried out at Agricultural Research Farm, RAK College of Agriculture, Sehore, M.P. during Rabi 2020-2021. The larval population of H. armigera was found to be minimum in Pant P 484 with 1.21 larvae/ plant, with a pod damage of 2.28%, and maximum in KPMR 942 with 2.01 larvae/ plant, with a pod damage of 12.82% which was found statistically at par with HFP 16-02 with 1.91 larvae/ plant (12.37% pod damage). The maximum population of L. boutiques was also recorded on KPMR 942 (2.22 larvae/ plant) with pod damage of 15.00% followed by HFP 16-02 (13.40%) while it was minimum in Pant P 484 (1.36 larvae/ plant) with 2.83% pod damage. The result on the yield was maximum in Pant P 484 with 2818 kg/ha and the minimum yield was recorded in KPMR 942 with 919 kg/ha during the crop period. Out of a total of 13 varieties tested for infestation by the pod borers, three varieties (Pant P 484, IPFD 20-03 and IPFD 12-02) were found to be highly resistant, two varieties (Pant P 480 and IPFD 11-05) were least susceptible, four varieties (Pant P 479, RNCP 14-13, IPFD 20-09 and IPFD 20-02) were considered to be moderately susceptible, and four varieties (KPMR 942, HFP 17-11, HFP 16-02 and IPFD 10-12) were reported to be highly susceptible. By identifying resistant genotypes, we can adopt more targeted and sustainable strategies to combat pod borers, reducing reliance on chemical pesticides and minimizing crop losses. These resistant genotypes could also serve as valuable genetic resources for future breeding programs aimed at developing improved cultivars with enhanced resistance and contribute to the broader field of integrated pest management in field pea cultivation.

Insights into the tripartite interaction: effects of Arbuscular mycorrhizae and Rhizobium on root morphology, soil enzymes, and biochemical properties in pea cultivation in alluvial soils of Punjab, India

Insights into the tripartite interaction: effects of Arbuscular mycorrhizae and Rhizobium on root morphology, soil enzymes, and biochemical properties in pea cultivation in alluvial soils of Punjab, India

Deciphering genotype-by-environment interaction of grass pea genotypes under rain-fed conditions and emphasizing the role of monthly rainfall

Rainfed regions have inconsistent spatial and temporal rainfall. So, these regions could face water deficiency during critical stages of crop growth. In this regard, multi-environment trials could play a key role in introducing stable genotypes with good performance across several rainfed regions. Grass pea, as a potential forage crop, is a resilient plant that could grow in unsuitable circumstances. In this study, agro-morphological attributes of 16 grass pea genotypes were examined in four semi-warm rain-fed regions during the years 2018–2021. The MLM analysis of variance showed a significant genotype-by-environment interaction (GEI) for dry yield, seed yield, days to maturity, days to flowering, and plant height of grass pea. The PLS (partial least squares) regression revealed that rainfall in the grass pea establishment stage (October and November) is meaningful. For grass pea cultivation, monthly rainfall during plant growth is important, especially in May, with an aim for seed yield. Regarding dry yield, G5, G10, G11, G12, G13, and G15 were selected as good performers and stable genotypes using DY × WAASB biplots, while SY × WAASB biplot manifested G2, G3, G12, and G13 as superior genotypes with stable seed yield. Considering equal weights for yield as well as the WAASB stability index (50/50), G13 was selected as the best one. Among test environments, E2 and E11 played a prominent role in distinguishing the above genotypes from other ones. In this study, MTSI (multi-trait stability index) analysis was applied to select a stable genotype, considering all measured agro-morphological traits simultaneously. Henceforth, the G5 and G15 grass pea genotypes were discerningly chosen due to their commendable performance in the WAASBY plot. In this context, G13 did not emerge as the winner based on MTSI; however, it exhibited an MTSI value in close proximity to the outer boundary of the circle. Consequently, upon comprehensive consideration of all traits, it is deduced that G5, G13, and G15 can be appraised as promising superior genotypes with stability across diverse environmental conditions.

The effect of cultivation technologies on weed infestation and productivity of peas

The current paper has presented the study results obtained in 2020–2023, in the stationary field trial of the FSBSI “KurskFARC”. The purpose of the study was to identify and evaluate the impact of technologies with different levels of soil tillage minimization on weed infestation, the formation of yield structure elements and pea productivity in the conditions of the CBR. There have been studied four pea cultivation technologies, such as traditional (plowing at 20–22 cm, main application of N15P40K40 + top dressing with N34); differentiated (chiseling by 20–22 cm + disking by 8–10 cm, main application N15P40K40 + top dressing with N34); minimal (discing up to 8 cm, main application N15P40K40 + top dressing with N34); direct sowing (no-tillage, main application N5P14K14 + pre-sowing N10P26K26 + top dressing with N34). There has been established the advantage of traditional technology in reducing weed infestation, and direct sowing in the formation of yield structure elements, indicators of grain quality and pea productivity. The traditional pea cultivation technology reduced the total number of weeds by 1.9–2.0 times and their dry weight by 1.2–1.8 times during the period critical for the growth and development of the crop, and by 2.1–2.5 and 1.3–2.0 times before harvesting. The highest indicators of plant density for harvesting, the mean number of grains per plant and unit area, and protein percentage in grain were identified with direct sowing, which made it possible to obtain the maximum pea productivity (2.31 t/ha) and protein yield with the harvest (460.6 kg/ha). The use of traditional, differentiated, and minimal technologies contributed to a reduction of plant density before harvesting by 5.4–9.3 %, the mean number of grains per 1 m2 by 4.2–22.6 % and per plant by 0.6–18. 6 %, protein percentage in grain by 0.25–0.90 %, which led to a productivity decrease by 4.3–10.8 %, protein yield per hectare by 5.3–12.6 %.

Non-radical activation of peroxymonosulfate by modified activated carbon for efficient degradation of oxytetracycline: Mechanisms and applications

The application of heterogeneous metal-free catalysis for non-radical peroxymonosulfate (PMS) oxidation is of great significance because of its low environmental effects and mild oxidant dosage. The purpose of this study was to investigate the activation mechanism of PMS using acid-modified activated carbon and oxytetracycline (OTC) as a representative pollutant. Modified activated carbon (MAC)/PMS system was capable of achieving 100 % degradation efficiency of OTC within 60 min, with an observed rate constant (kobs) of 0.0414 min−1. The degradation of OTC is dominated by non-radical oxidation pathways involved in mediated singlet oxygen (1O2) and electron-transfer process through electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) and radicals quenching studies. The activation of PMS is attributed to the structural defects of MAC, persistent free radicals, and oxygen functional groups such as C-OOH. Moreover, the MAC/PMS system consistently demonstrates high and reliable contaminant removal in various water matrices. A continuous-flow device utilizing MAC shows excellent performance in purifying micro-polluted water. Additionally, the degradation pathways of pollutants and changes in toxicity during the degradation process were identified through density functional theory (DFT) calculations, liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS), and toxicological analysis. Finally, the cultivation of green beans, peas, and wheat was found to significantly decrease the toxicity of contaminated water through degradation. This study proposes a low-cost method to enhance the activation pathway of non-radical PMS by utilizing modified activated carbon materials for pollutant remediation.

Обменный калий в чернозёме обыкновенном карбонатном при использовании гуматов на посеве гороха

The paper presents the results of a short-term field experiment on the calcic chernozem. The effect of the use of humates on the content of exchangeable potassium in the soil during the cultivation of peas was studied. The results showed that the use of potassium humate in a tank mixture with and without insecticide has a positive effect on the content of this element. Foliar application of BIO-Don has virtually no effect on the K2O content and has a positive effect only in combination with the application of mineral fertilizer and the use of pesticides. Keywords: CALCIC CHERNOZEM, HUMIC PREPARATIONS, POTASSIUM HUMATE, BIO-DON, EXCHANGEABLE POTASSIUM, PEAS

Productivity and Economic Feasibility of Pigeonpea Base Companion Cropping under Additive Series Planting System

Over two consecutive Kharif seasons in 2016-2017 and 2017-18, a study was conducted at the Soil Conservation and Water Management Farm of C.S. Azad University of Agriculture and Technology in Kanpur. The study aimed to determine the yields and economic benefits (in terms of net profit) of the primary crops: pigeonpea, black gram, and sesame. The experimental field's soil was classified as sandy loam with a pH of 7.8, containing 0.32% organic carbon, 17.3 kg/ha of available P2O5, and 181.2 kg/ha of available K2O, indicating a medium fertility level. The experiment included five different cropping treatments: sole pigeonpea, sole black gram, sole sesame, a combination of pigeonpea and black gram (1+1) in an additive series, and a combination of pigeonpea and sesame (1+1) in an additive series. The combined cultivation of pigeon pea and black gram yielded the highest productivity at 23.53 quintals per hectare (q/ha), outperforming the pigeonpea and sesame combination at 20.30 q/ha and sole pigeonpea at 17.34 q/ha. The analysis of aggregated data revealed that the highest cultivation cost was Rs. 57,876.00 per hectare for pigeonpea and black gram, followed by pigeonpea and sesame at Rs. 56,191 per hectare. The greatest gross returns were observed with the pigeonpea and black gram combination at Rs. 134,024 per hectare, with a net return of Rs. 76,148 and a benefit-cost ratio (BCR) of 1:2.32. This was followed by the pigeonpea and sesame combination, whereas sole pigeonpea cultivation resulted in a net return of Rs. 50,387 and a BCR of 1:2.01.

Impact of Seed Protectants on Seed Quality and Pest Infestation in Pigeon Pea (Cajanus cajan L.) Seeds during Storage

This study investigates the efficacy of diverse seed protectants on key parameters affecting seed quality and pest infestation in pigeon pea seeds during storage. Over 3, 6, and 9-month storage periods, the impact of seed protectants on germination percentage, moisture content, vigor index, insect infestation by pulse beetles, and seed weight loss was assessed. Notably, Emamectin benzoate and Deltamethrin consistently maintained high seed quality, with germination percentages ranging from 88.33% to 84.33% and 87.33% to 83.00%, respectively. These insecticidal treatments also exhibited minimal insect infestation, ranging from 0.33% to 1.00%. In contrast, botanical protectants showed varying effectiveness, with Lantana camara and Vitex negundo displaying germination percentages ranging from 86.67% to 80.67% and 87.00% to 82.67%, and insect infestation levels ranging from 0.33% to 1.33%. These findings highlight the importance of seed protectants in preserving seed viability and minimizing pest damage during storage, thereby enhancing crop yield and reducing post-harvest losses in pigeon pea cultivation.

Occurrence of Pea Root Rot in Different Regions of Himachal Pradesh and Identification of Pathogen Associated with Disease

Pea root rot has emerged as a significant concern in select cultivation regions of Himachal Pradesh, with varying levels of disease incidence recorded across districts. In this study, disease incidence was quantified, with notable rates documented in Bir, Chougan, and Kukumseri. The widespread presence of pea root rot, underscores the severity of the issue. Previous research has identified Fusarium solani F. sp. pisi as a primary pathogen. The morphological, cultural, and pathogenic evaluations, confirm the involvement of Fusarium solani F. sp. pisi in pea root rot. Economic implications of this disease complex are significant, necessitating comprehensive understanding and management strategies. The methodological approach, including pathogenicity tests using Hoagland's solution, offers insights into disease progression and symptomatology. These findings contribute valuable insights into the biology and management of pea root rot, essential for developing effective disease control strategies in pea cultivation.

Formation of the photoassimilation apparatus of pea (Pisum sativum L.) crops under biostimulants in arid conditions of the Southern Steppe of Ukraine

The Southern Steppe of Ukraine is characterised by a range of unfavourable agro-climatic conditions, which leads to inhibition of growth processes, disruption of physiological processes and loss of crop yields. The use of environmentally safe bioregulators stimulates growth processes, optimises nitrogen nutrition, increases the adaptability of legumes to adverse conditions and increases yields. The purpose of this study was to find out the specific features of the influence of biostimulants on the formation of the photoassimilation apparatus of pea of the Oplot variety in the Southern Steppe of Ukraine. A 3-year small-plot study was conducted to determine the leaf area index, total chlorophyll content, and net photosynthetic productivity in pea crops. The biostimulants were used for pre-sowing and foliar treatment of pea crops in the budding phase at concentrations described in the methodology. It was found that Stimpo (25 ml/t + 20 ml/ha) increased the leaf surface index in different stages of vegetation of pea variety Oplot by 1.12-1.54 times and Regoplant (250 ml/t + 50 ml/ha) increased the leaf surface index by 1.18-1.38 times compared to the control. A significant increase in the chlorophyll content in pea stipules was recorded after foliar treatment of crops with biostimulants and exceeded the value of control plants by 9.0-10.4% in the BBCH stages 61(65) – 75(79). Based on 3-year results, the positive impact of biostimulants on net photosynthetic productivity was proven. Thus, Stimpo and Regoplant increased the net photosynthetic productivity of pea crops by 35% and 22%, respectively, in the budding (BBCH 51-61) and flowering (BBCH 55-65) phases. The obtained scientific results contribute to the widespread use of the studied biostimulants in the technology of pea cultivation in the Southern Steppe zone of Ukraine to increase crop productivity and obtain a high-quality crop

Comparative analysis of profitability and efficiency of conventional and organic pea production: A case of Northwestern Himalayas

The cultivation of vegetables serves as a vital pillar in horticulture, offering an alternative avenue towards achieving economic sustainability. Unfortunately, farmers often lack adequate knowledge on optimizing resource utilization, which subsequently results in low productivity. Furthermore, there has been insufficient research conducted on the comparative profitability and efficient use of resources for pea cultivation. So, the present study was conducted to examine the profitability and resource use efficiency of conventional and organic pea production in Northwestern Himalayan state. Using the technique of purposive sampling, the districts and villages were selected based on the highest area. By using simple random sampling, a sample of 100 farmers was selected, out of which 50 were organic growers and 50 were inorganic growers, who were further categorized as marginal and small. The cost incurred was higher for the cultivation of inorganic vegetable crops, whereas returns and output-input ratio was higher in organic cultivation. The cultivation of peas revealed that the majority of inputs were being underutilized, and there was a need for proper reallocation of the resources, which would result in enhanced production. Further, major problems in the cultivation of vegetable crops were a high wage rate, a lack of organic certification, a shortage of skilled labour and a lack of technical knowledge.