RESPONSE OF PEAS TO ENVIRONMENT: II. EFFECTS OF TEMPERATURE IN CONTROLLED-ENVIRONMENT CABINETS

Abstract

Effects of day/night temperature regimes from 7/4 to 32/24 °C on growth and development of Pisum sativum L. var. Dark Skin Perfection were studied in controlled-environment cabinets. Light intensity was about 1500 foot-candles and the photoperiod was 16 hours. Rate of plant development, in terms of nodes produced per day, increased steadily as the average temperature increased. Rate of stem elongation, however, was most rapid at 21/13 °C; and plant height was greatest at 16/10 °C. On a dry matter accumulation rate basis, vine growth decreased above and below a temperature optimum which shifted from 21/16 to 16/10 °C in the course of plant development. The combination of high day and high night temperatures caused an increase in the number of nodes to the first flower. Tillering was most prolific at the lower temperatures and was absent at 32 °C day temperatures. Pea yield decreased as temperature increased above 16/10 °C, due mainly to a reduction in the number of pods per plant.