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Differences among eighteen winter pea genotypes for forage and cover crop use in the southeastern United States

Abstract:

Winter pea (Pisum sativum L.) can be used as a forage and cover crop in the southeast and mid-Atlantic United states; however, minimal effort has been devoted to optimize winter pea genetics for forage and cover crop production in these regions. Studies were conducted from 2015–2017 in Maryland and North Carolina screening 18 winter pea genotypes for forage and cover crop use. Winter pea genotypes were compared with widely grown crimson clover (Trifolium incarnatum L.) and hairy vetch (Vicia villosa Roth]. All legume genotypes were harvested across four timings. Legume winter hardiness, disease incidence, biomass production, quality, and N release were estimated. Winter hardiness was severe with many winter pea genotypes at the Maryland environments, which restricted winter pea biomass production. There was considerable variation for disease incidence among the winter pea genotypes depending on biotic stressors at each environment. At the North Carolina environments, several winter pea genotypes produced similar biomass to crimson clover and hairy vetch across harvest timings. At the Maryland environments, crimson clover and hairy vetch biomass exceeded winter pea biomass. The winter pea genotypes varied considerably for quality traits including protein, lignin, and cellulose. Relative forage value declined as biomass harvest was delayed and was generally higher with all winter pea genotypes than crimson clover or hairy vetch. These results show wide genetic variation in the winter pea genotypes screened for biomass and quality; this variation could be utilized in breeding efforts to enhance winter pea production in the region.