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Development of winter pea (Pisum sativum L.) genotypes for mixed cropping under conditions of organic farming
Project
Project code: 2810OE008
Contract period: 01.09.2010
- 31.10.2014
Budget: 122,338 Euro
Purpose of research: Applied research
The aim of the project was to develop and optimize winter pea genotypes characterized by winter hardiness, lodging resistance, a clear determination, a high yield and high quality fodder, both from a breeder’s perspective and through optimized crop production. Furthermore, the new cultivars should have a low susceptibility to diseases and be fit for intercropping with winter cereals and oil-crops. A major goal of the project included provision and fulfillment of necessary preparatory work for the registration of new varieties for organic farming conditions. Finally, the provision of a general concept for breeding of winter peas for pure stand and mixed cropping was pursued.
Twelve genotypes were selected for further tests after trials in 2011 at 2 sites (one semileafless/colored, six semi-leafless/white, two regular-leaf/colored and three regularleaf/white). These are the result of 33 progeny lines generated from 5 crosses of regular-leaf, purple flowering winter peas with semi-leafless, white colored grain (spring) peas providing a wide spectrum of morphological combinations of leaf-type, flower colour and plant height. These genotypes were tested and compared with the reference EFB33 alongside 3 other genetic resources at 2 sites from 2011 - 2013 for suitability in pure stand and mixed cropping in organic farming with respect to winter hardiness, emergence, lodging resistance, plant coverage, unspecific disease resistance, yield and fodder-quality. In 2013 two more sites were added.
These lines add to the existing variety spectrum, contributing to the suitability of winter peas for grain production by providing improved lodging resistance, even maturity, higher thousand kernel mass and yield. However, yield was dependent on weather conditions, site and cropping system. Hence, the pure yield reached from 1 to 52 dt/ha.
Except for a few cases the regular-leaf/coloured and semi leafless/coloured genotypes were among the 50% best performing genotypes over time, sites and cropping systems. They also showed the lowest susceptibility for seed and soil borne diseases. In particular, the genotype L1 showed good yield, determined growth and good lodging resistance across sites and cropping systems. In contrast the white coloured genotypes revealed a more differentiated picture. While emergence was in close relation to flower colour there was no correlation with the trait of overwintering. To withstand extreme bare frost or alternating warmth-frost incidences the overwintering rate needs to be enhanced, particularly for less fertile sites. Intercropping with Triticale was superior compared to mixes with rye, wheat or winter oil crops (such as rape); on average the former resulted in the highest pure and total yield especially as the developmental stages of the Triticale coincided very well with the winter peas. In particular, in the extremely cold winter in 2012 this was highly beneficial. A pure stand of the genotypes is still not recommended due to the plant length and weed pressure. Good fodder quality was particularly shown for the regular-leaf/white flowering genotypes as they contained low tannin contents and high raw protein. All genotypes had low Trypsin inhibitory activity.
Section overview
Subjects
- Plant Breeding
- Organic Farming
Framework programme
Federal Organic Farming Scheme and other forms of sustainable agriculture (BÖLN)
