Breeding peas for drought resistance

In the Mediterranean areas water shortage during flowering and pod filling strongly affects the yield stability of dried pea crops. The effects of drought conditions on the yield and on the main yield components of pea mutants and wild types from different geographical areas were studied in greenhouse as well as in rain-sheltered plots in opening fields. After analyzing the relationship between yield performance under water stress and some physiological components of plant growth, the authors conclude that CER (C02 exchange rate) appears to be one possible parameter to be used in the selection of drought resistant pea genotypes.