EFFECT OF OVERWINTERING ON THE GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT OF WINTER PEA (PISUM SATIVUM L.)

Abstract

Winter pea (Pisum sativum L.) cultivation in Lithuania is still at an early stage compared to other European countries, yet climate change and increasing spring droughts highlight the need for alternatives to spring-sown crops. Winter peas are considered a promising option as they fix atmospheric nitrogen, reduce the need for synthetic fertilizers, and may improve crop rotation sustainability. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of sowing date and seed rate on the overwintering and growth of winter peas under Lithuanian agroclimatic conditions.

A two-factor field experiment was established at the Vytautas Magnus University Agriculture Academy Experimental Station during 2024–2025. Three seed rates (90, 120, and 150 kg ha⁻¹) and four sowing dates (September 7, 14, 21, and 28) were tested in randomized blocks with four replications. Overwintering, plant height, branching, flowering, and pod formation were assessed, and data were statistically evaluated using ANOVA and correlation analysis.
Results showed that the highest seed rate (150 kg ha⁻¹) generally reduced overwintering success, especially in later sowings, while the lowest seed rate (90 kg ha⁻¹) ensured better survival. Plants sown on September 21 with 120 kg ha⁻¹ achieved favorable height and branching, while late sowings (September 28) resulted in the lowest plant height. Seed rate had limited influence on pod formation, but sowing date significantly affected flowering and branching intensity.
It was concluded that moderate seed rates combined with optimal sowing dates are crucial for winter pea adaptation in Lithuania, offering potential to improve crop rotation resilience and reduce fertilizer dependency.