Growth Analysis of Two Pea Cultivars as Influenced by Planting Date

`Lincoln' and `Rondo' pea cultivars (Pisum sativum L. subsp. hortense) were planted at early, midseason, and late dates during 1989–90 and 1990–91 growing seasons. Plant growth analysis data were collected via weekly harvests throughout the growing season. Plant height, leaf area, and shoot dry weight were measured, and LAI, SLA, and SLW were also determined. Derived growth quantities such as RGR, NAR, and CGR were calculated. `Rondo' plants were taller, larger in leaf area, had more vegetative and dry weight, and were earlier in flowering than `Lincoln' plants. Leaf area was not significantly affected by planting date. Optimum LAI was obtained between harvests 7 and 9, which coincides with the time of highest values of NAR and CGR. Significant correlation coefficients were obtained between growth attributes in both seasons, and, in most cases, for all planting dates.