Biological characteristics: high-yielding mid-season variety of semi-leafless type, vegetation period 68-80 days. Plant height 53-95 cm. Maximum number of flowers per node — two. Flowers white. Pods very slightly curved, blunt tip. Number of seeds per pod small-medium. Cotyledons yellow. 1000-seed mass 186-240 grams. Protein content in grain 22.5-23.7%.
Average yield of Madonna pea — 2.71 tons per hectare, maximum yield — 4.76 tons per hectare.
Regarding resistance to lodging, Madonna pea slightly lags behind standard varieties, drought resistance at standard levels. The variety shows high resistance to lodging — on average exceeds standards by 2.2 points. Susceptible to ascochitosis and root rots. For gray mold (due to wet weather) fungicides may be applied. Monitor for appearance of pea weevil during flowering and pea aphid from the start of flowering. Seed treatment is recommended.
Madonna pea variety is characterized by uniform early maturity. Suitable for cultivation on light and other well-structured soils with more neutral pH levels. Sowing time — starting from mid-March, upon physical soil maturity. Optimal seeding density is 65-90 germinating seeds/m2 depending on sowing date and region.
Due to high resistance to lodging, medium plant height, and high stem rigidity, Madonna pea is well-suited for direct combine harvesting. Harvesting is typically performed when grain moisture is 16-19% and pod husk is light-brown.
