EFFECT OF SEEDING RATE ON THE FORAGE YIELDS AND QUALITY IN PEA CULTIVARS OF DIFFERING LEAF TYPES

This study aimed to determine the effects of four seeding rates (75, 100, 125 and 150 plant m(-2)) on forage yield and quality of pea cultivars (Pisum sativum L.) of differing leaf types. Two semi-leafless cultivars (Ulubatli and Kirazli), two leafed cultivars (Golyazi and Urunlu) were used in this research. Plant height, plants number per m(2), seeds number per pod, lodging scores, 1000 seed weight, forage yield, DM yield, seed yield, forage CP yield and seed CP yield were determined. According to two years averages, Golyazi had the highest 1000 seed weight, forage yield, DM yield, seed yield, forage CP yield and seed CP yield. Semi-leafless pea cultivars (Ulubatli and Kirazli) had significantly better standing ability than normal leaf cultivars (Urunlu and Golyazi). Increasing seed rates resulted in an increase in plants per m2, lodging scores, forage yield, DM yield and forage CP yield. However, increasing seed rates caused decrease in seeds per pod and seed CP yield in two years averages.