PREHARVEST DESICCATION OF GREEN-SEEDED FIELD PEAS WITH DIQUAT

Abstract

Diquat treatments were applied to green-seeded field peas (Pisum sativum L.) over a 5-yr period to determine the effect of applications at various stages of maturity on some agronomic and quality characteristics. The spray application effectively hastened drying of the plants, eliminating the need for windrowing. The rate of 0.28 kg a.i./ha was adequate. The earlier harvesting permitted by the treatments reduced loss of green color and germinability associated with weathering and reduced yield loss from shattering. Applications made as early as the 50% brown pod stage did not markedly affect yield, protein content, seed size, cooking quality or germinability. However, a later stage of spraying may be advisable under conditions of slow maturation.