Three field pea genotypes (NS Junior, Jezero and Javor) have been assessed
for effects of genotype and mechanical damage during harvest on most
important parameters of the physical quality of seed. Four harvest treatments
were examined (hand harvest, mechanized harvest at 500, 650 and 800 rpm).
After harvest, purity of harvested seed and percentages of seeds damaged by
insects, seeds with cracked seed coat and broken seeds were analyzed. Highest
contents of seeds with damaged seed coat (9.0%) and broken seeds (11.3%) were
found in Javor, the genotype with largest seeds. After seed processing, seed
vigor, germination, proportion of atypical seedlings and 1000-seed weight
were determined. Lowest values of seed vigor and germination (79.8% and
84.9%, respectively) and the largest proportion of atypical seedlings (11.4%)
were found in the genotype Javor. Highly significant correlations were found
between seed vigor, germination and atypical seedlings on one side and
1000-seed weight on the other (r=-0.53, r=-0.51, and r=0.60,
respectively). Damages that increase the portion of atypical seedlings have
the largest impact on the quality of pea seeds. This characteristic is
determined by the genotype, which should be kept in mind when defining
objectives of field pea breeding programs.