Abstract Worldwide production of field peas ( Pisum sativum L.) with food‐quality grain has historically come primarily from spring‐adapted varieties, though novel winter‐adapted varieties have recently been released that exceed spring pea yield potential in many environments. Research analyzing yield, yield components, crop growth, and phenology of the novel germplasm in conjunction with environmental variables is lacking, which is needed to guide ongoing variety and management practice improvement. A comparison of the grain yield of the novel peas to wheat ( Triticum aestivum L.) is also needed to provide context for crop rotation management. The objectives of this research were to provide such analyses through a multi‐environment trial, comparing two food‐grade peas (MiCa and Klondike) to Austrian winter pea (AWP) and wheat. The food‐quality peas and AWP were similar overall in biomass production and most yield traits, with the most distinctive differences being the small seed size of AWP and greatly improved yield stability of the food peas. One food‐quality variety had reduced plant establishment with early onset of winter cold, likely attributable to low seedling vigor rather than cold sensitivity, per se. There was no evidence, in terms of divergence in plant population density or biomass, that the food‐grade pea varieties differed from AWP in cold hardiness following extreme cold events. Yield component analysis showed an especially close relationship between grains m −2 and yield, but there was relatively low broad‐sense heritability for all yield component traits. As indicated in other reports, grain yield in this pea germplasm may be most linked to plant biomass productivity and related traits. Among environmental–phenological variables analyzed, system water input was the strongest driver of yield. Over the core of the reproductive phase, increased growing degree day accumulation was associated with higher yield, while high temperatures were associated with lower yield. Wheat averaged 1.6 times more grain yield than peas, with a similar yield gap between the crops across environments differing in yield potential, though food‐grade peas typically bring higher grain prices than wheat. Thus, this new crop has great potential as a rotational crop in winter cereal‐based cropping systems, especially those in which alternative crop options have been limited.
Curtis B. Adams (Sun,) studied this question.