Performance Evaluation of Garden Pea (Pisum sativum L.) Varieties under Subtropical Hill Conditions of Wayanad, Kerala, India

Field peas are one of the most common crops and are grown in various climatic zones. However, the productivity of this crop can be largely limited by climatic factors. Garden peas (Pisum sativum L. var. hortense) are a staple legume food that are grown for their fresh, shelled green seeds, which are rich in vitamin, minerals and proteins. According to forecasts, climate changes, expressed primarily in a significant temperature increase, are predicted to result in a higher frequency of adverse climatic events. This fact is of concern since such changes can significantly negatively affect the yield of crops, including pea. In the present study, an initiative was taken to comprehensively review the current status of genetic improvement of garden pea. In order to exploit the available genetic wealth in the crop, the information would be of paramount importance. A field study was conducted in the rabi season of year 2022-23 at the demonstration field of KVK to study growth, yield and economics of garden pea (Pisum sativum) in the winter season under subtropical conditions of wayanad, Kerala, India. In the present study, the performance and comparative effectiveness of four varieties Arka Priya, Kashi Nandhini, Arka Ajit, and Arka Chaitra, were evaluated and analysed. Among them, the result confirmed that Arka Priya recorded minimum plant height and days for first flowering (31.9 cm) (29 days) highest number of seeds/pod (8.4) minimum days for first flower appearance (29.32) and highest yield (60.9q/ha), followed by the variety Arka Nandhini recorded minimum days for flowering (30 days), maximum pod length (11.0 cm), Number of branches per plant (5.60) minimum days for first picking (74.24). The varieties Arka Chaitra reported a maximum one pod weight (7.5g) compared to Arka Ajith (7.4g). Therefore, in light of the current study's findings, aid in the identification and development of varieties specifically adapted to the agro-climatic conditions of Wayanad.