Agronomic Modulation through Sowing Time and Spacing Adjustments for Enhanced Seed Yield and Quality in Pea

Abstract

Enhancing seed yield and quality in pea (Pisum sativum) requires careful optimization of agronomic practices. To investigate this, a study was carried out during 2020-21 at the Department of Seed Science and Technology, Dr YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan (HP), focusing on the effects of various sowing dates and plant spacing on seed production in pea. The experiment involved twelve treatment combinations, including three sowing dates (10th, 20th and 30th November) and four spacing levels (60 × 7.5 cm, 60 × 10 cm, 60 × 12.5 cm and 60 × 15.0 cm), arranged in a factorial Randomized Block Design (RBD) with three replications in the field and a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with four replications for laboratory analysis. Sowing on 10th November led to earlier emergence and flowering, along with improved plant height, pod characteristics, seed yield (20.33 q ha⁻¹), germination (94.38%), and seed vigour. Among the spacing treatments, the widest spacing (60 × 15.0 cm) proved most effective in enhancing growth and seed quality traits. The interaction treatment D1S4 (10th November sowing with 60 × 15.0 cm spacing) delivered the best performance, achieving the highest seed yield (24.30 q ha⁻¹), 100 seed weight (19.65 g), seed vigour indices and a benefit-cost ratio of 2.56.