Joint research for peas

Press, 10 February 1989, Page 16

Joint research for peas

New Zealand arable farmers could see better returns for their peas in the future, if research by Mair Seed, Ltd, and the D.S.I.R.’s Crop Research Division proves successful. The two organisations recently signed a research agreement to breed new pea cultivators to improve product quality. The breeding programme would focus on Prussian

and Marrowfat type peas. Mair Seed, the arable subsidiary of Mair Astley Holdings, is one of New Zealand’s largest exporters of dry peas and hopes to increase prices gained on international markets by offering better quality pea varieties. A key objective of the research was to reduce viral diseases which caused serious seed quality problems, like stains

and blemishes, according to Mr Roger Banfield, marketing and development manager for Mair Seed. “Peas are sold on eye appeal so a good appearance is important. “To satisfy customer requirements, pea cultivars have to be disease resistent, of consistent colour and of even size,” said Mr Banfield. The programme will

cross new breeding lines with existing material for evaluation of the progeny. Different plant architecture would also be used to improve light penetration, drought tolerance and lodging. The programme was expected to take about eight years, but would be shortened considerably by using the northern hemisphere summer each year.