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Seasonal radiation interception, dry matter production and yield determination for a semi‐leafless pea ( Pisum sativum ) breeding selection under contrasting field conditions
Author(s) -
HEATH M. C.,
HEBBLETHWAITE P. D.
Publication year - 1987
Publication title -
annals of applied biology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.677
H-Index - 80
eISSN - 1744-7348
pISSN - 0003-4746
DOI - 10.1111/j.1744-7348.1987.tb03273.x
Subject(s) - sativum , interception , biology , dry matter , pisum , agronomy , canopy , crop , yield (engineering) , photosynthesis , moisture stress , field pea , field experiment , moisture , horticulture , botany , ecology , materials science , metallurgy , composite material
SUMMARY Radiation interception, dry matter accumulation, flower and pod production and yield were measured for a semi‐leafless pea ( Pisum sativum ) breeding selection (BS3) on three contrasting sites. Differences in soil moisture availability were largely responsible for a three‐fold difference in yield between sites. Radiation interception was related to dry matter production by calculating photosynthetic efficiencies. In the absence of lodging, crop canopies converted intercepted radiation into dry matter with constant efficiency (ɛ) throughout the season; under conditions of moisture stress ɛ was reduced. Serious lodging during the post‐flowering period on one site resulted in a mean seasonal photosynthetic efficiency (ɛ) 17% lower than ɛ. The ability of the pea crop canopy to intercept radiation was related also to yield components.