Effect of planting time on growth and seed yield of lupins, peas and vetches on the Swan Coastal Plain, Western Australia

Abstract

The effect of planting time on dry matter production and seed yield in yellow lupin cv. Weiko III, narrow-leafed lupin cv. Uniharvest and cv. Unicrop, field pea cv. Collegian and vetch cv. Blanchefleur was studied near Perth, Western Australia. Planting dates were March 19, April 16, May 14 and June 11. In the lupins and vetch, May and June plantings resulted in delayed emergence (yellow lupin and vetch only) and nodulation, and reductions in dry matter and seed yield. Yields of field peas were increased with later planting. Lupins produced most dry matter, seed and seed protein at the first three plantings but were no better than peas in the June planting. No significant differences in seed yields were found between the lupin cultivars, though in Unicrop seedling growth rates were consistently higher and seed yield tended to be less affected by delays in planting. A sharp drop in seed yield of lupins between the April and May plantings was associated with the production of fewer pods on the lateral axes. The reasons for this are discussed.