Funded by Saddle Hills County
Objective
The goal is to provide Saddle Hills County producers with impartial insights into the agronomic performance of various Pea varieties under local conditions, enabling them to select the varieties best suited to their specific agricultural environment.
Methods
The trial was carried out at Cody Dolen’s farm along Hwy 681/RGE 93 in Savanna, AB. Site soil information from the surface soil (0-6" soil depth) before seeding: pH=5.6, organic matter = 6.1 electrical conductivity = 0.42 dS/m, while the nutrient analysis of the soil gave N = 30 ppm, P = 14 ppm, K = 176 ppm and S = 5 ppm. Soil base saturation was 61.3% (Ca 47.7%, Mg 15.3%, Na 1.3%, K 2.1%).
The previous crops on the site were Wheat (2022) and Barley (2021). The trial was a randomized complete block design with four replications on small plots measuring 8 m x 1.14 m. 12 Pea varieties (see Table 1) were tested. Seeding was carried out using a 6-row Fabro Plot Drill equipped with disc-type openers on 23 cm row spacing complete with side banding. Details of cultural practices are given in Table 1.
Harvested material from each plot was transported in large bags to the Research Farm shed and dried down to constant moisture under a ceiling heater and fan. Samples were then manually threshed, cleaned with sieves and grain attributes were determined.
Observations
Aside from the widespread grasshopper pressure experienced in the Peace Country this year, no other pest related issues such as fungal, bacterial or viral diseases were noted in the plots.
Results
The various yield and grain attributes are presented in Table 2.
Field Pea Lodging
Overall, the tested Pea varieties exhibited good standability; however, DL Delicious was an exception, as it experienced lodging. This variety has an indeterminate growth habit, which may contribute to its susceptibility to lodging under certain conditions.
Field Pea Yield
Grain yield ranged from 35 - 53 bu/acre and varied significantly between field pea varieties. CDC Canary and Meadow produced yields of 120% and 116% respectively of the check variety, CDC Limerick. DL Delicious produced the lowest yields (72% of check variety). The grains of DL had very high moisture content and had to be dried down for a longer period.
Field Pea Test and Seed Weight
Both test weight (bushel weight) and thousand seed weight (TSW) ranged from 66 - 73 lbs/bu and 160 - 239 g/1000 seeds respectively and varied significantly between varieties.
Field Pea Quality
The protein content did not vary significantly (full data not provided) between varieties and ranged from 17.7% - 23.8% with DL Delicious having the highest (23.8%) protein content.
Conclusion
In 2023, despite facing low moisture conditions, the Pea varieties CDC Canary, CDC Meadow, and CDC Ardill demonstrated a yield advantage of 12% - 20% compared to CDC Limerick, indicating their greater resilience or adaptability in challenging growing conditions. These yield advantages will be confirmed in the 2 remaining years of the trial. DL Delicious yielded lowest and will be recommended mostly as a forage variety.
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