Field Response of Peas to Excess Heat during the Reproductive Stage of Growth

Abstract

Regression analysis was used to establish the effect of maximum daily temperatures on fresh pea (Pisum sativum L.) yield during the reproductive stage of growth. Maximum daily temperatures below 25.6C had little influence on pea yield. Temperatures above 25.6C depressed yield; this adverse effect increased exponentially as maximum daily temperature increased linearly. Predicted decrease in fresh pea yield ranged from 16 kg/ha per heat degree day above 27C to 67 kg/ha per heat degree day above 35C.