THE INFLUENCE OF THE PEA PLANT IDIOTYPE ON SEED PROTEIN-CONTENT AND SEED YIELD

The assimilation and translocation pattern of radioactive 14‐C‐assimilates and how it may affect nitrogen fixation was studied in conventional and semi‐leafless pot grown field peas (Pisum sativum L.). Leaf areas, plant development patterns and yield components and their influence on protein content, protein yield and seed yield were studied by using simple regression, multiple regression and factor analyses over a period of two years of field grown material. It was shown that roots and nodules received most of the carbon assimilate from the lower leaves at the beginning of flowering. Four weeks later most of the assimilates came from the upper leaves. Furthermore, it was discovered that stipules were more important than leaflets in supplying the roots and nodules. Field studies supported the results obtained in pot grown material. They also showed that in order to achieve high seed and protein yield it is more important to have many generative nodes instead of a few with several pods on each. In semi‐leafless types, vegetative upper nodes and late flowering are also important factors. An ideotype suited for both high seed yield, high seed protein yield and high protein content is discussed. Copyright © 1990, Wiley Blackwell. All rights reserved