2008 Western Regional Spring Dry Pea and Lentil Evaluations

Abstract

This paper evaluates dry pea and lentil selections from the USDA-ARS Grain Legume Genetics and Physiology program in Pullman, Washington, for grain production potential in Central Montana. Dry pea grain yields were much below long-term means and is thought to be due to poor sub-soil moisture, a hail storm, snow and record lows in mid-June, and an insect (pea leaf weevil) infestation. The trial grain yield mean was 1,038 lbs acre-1 (converted to 13% grain moisture - field grain moisture was 923 lbs acre-1; Table 3). The smooth yellow line PS03101822 had the greatest grain production at 13% moisture, averaging 1,282 lbs acre-1, but was not significantly greater than the smooth green line PS03101445 (based on LSD0.05). Lentil grain yields averaged (at 13% moisture) 1,688 lbs acre-1, which was the best Western Regional lentil production at Moccasin since the 2000 crop-year, which averaged an all-time best of 2300 lbs acre-1 at 13% grain moisture (Table 4). At field grain moisture, the Turkish-red line LC01601724T had the highst grain production (not significant). When yields were converted to 13% grain moisture, Eston had the greatest grain production (1,883 lbs acre-1; not significant based on LSD0.05).