Effect of heat stress during flowering and pod formation in pea (Pisum sativum L.)

Heat stress is a major constraint of yield in grain legumes including peas. Increasing global warming and human population now urge to develop climate resilient varieties. The present experiment was conducted over 2 years to evaluate the heat tolerance of 211 pea genotypes. In the present study, the field pea genotypes showed a wide variation for reproductive stage heat stress (RSHS) quantitative traits. Significant positive correlations were found between no. of seeds per plant and no. of pods per plant; seed diameter (mm) and 25-seed weight (g) in heat tolerant as well as heat susceptible genotypes. Principal component analysis revealed two major principal components contributed approximately 91% of total variations and heat tolerant and susceptible genotypes separately formed two major clusters. Stepwise multiple regression analysis revealed that no. of seeds per plant was the best predictor for no. of pods per plant. On the basis of four RSHS traits, the most prominent heat tolerant pea genotypes identified in the present study JP-625, IARI-2877, PMR-38 II, EC-318760, EC-328758 and IARI-2904 would better combat RSHS and provide yield stability under changing climatic conditions.