YIELD AND YIELD COMPONENTS ANALYSIS OF PEA CULTIVARS IN RESPONSE TO PLANTING DATE

Lincoln and Rondo pea cultivars were evaluated under three planting dates, early (Oct. 21 or 22) midseason (Nov. 4 or 5) and late (Nov. 18 or 19) in 1989-90 and 1990-91 seasons, respectively. While Rondo cv was superior in pod weight, pod length and 100- green seed weight, Lincoln cv. produced higher number of pods / plants and higher seed: pod ratio. Both cultivars had equal productivity. Early Planting was best for most of the studied traits. Pod weight and number of seeds / pod were not significantly affected by date of sowing. However, both traits were reduced with late planting. During the growing season, yield increased up to the fourth harvest. However, in midseason and late planting, yield peaked by the second harvest. High correlations among yield attributes were obtained. These correlations were not affected by planting date.