L. Williams et al., HERBIVORY, SEED PRIMING, AND TILLAGE SYSTEMS - IMPACTS ON THE GROWTH-RESPONSE OF PISUM-SATIVUM L, Journal of entomological science, 33(2), 1998, pp. 196-211
Field experiments were conducted to determine the effects of herbivory
, seed priming, and tillage practices on the growth response of Pisum
sativum L. A factorial treatment design incorporated two levels of til
lage treatment (moldboard and chisel plow), three levels of seed primi
ng [Captan, PEG (polyethylene glycol) 8000, and Captan+PEG 8000], and
four levels of herbivory by Sitona lineatus (L.) (caged controls, unca
ged controls, 1 weevil/plant, and 8 weevils/plant). Pisum sativum stan
ds at approximately 75% emergence were infested for 1 wk. Sitona linea
tus infestations resulted in defoliation of approximately 5, 25, and 5
5% for the control, low, and high weevil densities, respectively. Cons
ervation tillage led to increased surface residue but did not affect s
oil moisture, temperature, or compensatory growth response of P. sativ
um. Seed priming treatments, incorporating PEG, led to an undercompens
atory growth response of P. sativum, as did high levels of S. lineatus
defoliation. Improved seed priming methods that promote vigorous seed
ling growth may help minimize the impacts of S. lineatus and suboptima
l soil conditions on P. sativum.