Effect of different sowing dates and row spacing on the growth, seed yield and quality of off-season pea (Pisum sativum L. Cv. Climax) under temperate conditions of Rawalakot Azad Jammu and Kashmir

Abstract

A study was conducted to check the effect of different sowing dates and row spacing on the growth, seed yield and quality of off-season pea (Pisum sativum L. cv. Climax). Significant differences were recorded among sowing dates for days to germination while non-significant results were found for row spacing and interaction (A × B). Maximum days to germination were recorded in D₁ (20^th April) and minimum were recorded in D₄ (4^th June). Germination percentage indicated highly significant differences for sowing dates whereas; non-significant results were found for row spacing and interaction (A × B). Maximum germination percentage was recorded on sowing date D₂ (5^th May). Plant height indicated highly significant differences for sowing dates, row spacing and interaction (A × B). Maximum plant height was recorded on D₂ (5^th May), S₁ (30 cm) and D₁ x S₃. Number of branches plant^-1 indicated highly significant differences for sowing dates, row spacing and interaction.  Maximum number of branches plant^-1 were counted in D₁ (20^th April), S₃ (50 cm) and D₁ x S₃. Chlorophyll contents showed highly non-significant differences among sowing dates, row spacing and interaction (A × B). Highly significant differences were observed among sowing dates for days to flowering whereas, non-significant results were found for row spacing and interaction (A × B). Minimum days to flowering were taken by plants sown D₄ (4^th June). Days to pod formation showed highly significant differences for sowing dates whereas, non-significant results were found for row spacing and interaction (A × B). Minimum days to pod formation were recorded in D₄ (4^th June). A highly significant difference was observed among sowing dates, row spacing and interaction (A × B) for number of pods plant^-1. Maximum numbers of pods plant^-1 were recorded in D₁ (20^th April), S₃ (50 cm) and D₁ x S₃. Pod length indicated highly significant differences among sowing dates, row spacing and interaction (A × B). Maximum pod length was recorded in D₁ (20^th April), S₃ (50 cm) and D₁ x S₃. Number of seeds pod^-1 showed highly significant differences among sowing dates, row spacing and interaction. Maximum number of seeds pod^-1 were recorded in (20^th April), S₃ (50 cm) and D₁ x S₃. Highly significant differences were observed among sowing dates, row spacing and interaction for seed yield ha^-1. Maximum seed yield ha^-1 was recorded in D₁ (20^th April), S₃ (50 cm) and D₁ x S₃. Protein contents showed highly significant differences among sowing dates while non-significant results were found for row spacing and interaction (A × B). Maximum protein contents (21.10%) were recorded in the plants of D₁ (20^th April). The effect of different sowing dates, row spacing and interaction (A × B) on Total sugar, Vitamin C and pH was non-significant.