Some varieties sell better when shelled, says Dr. Njue. A bushel of one variety (unshelled) will not necessarily yield the same amount when shelled, and the differences may be varietal or production conditions, says Dr. Njue.
Before choosing which variety to grow, Dr. Njue advises considering the results of the 2007 and 2008 field studies at UAPB. Fresh pea (seed) yield, fresh pod yield and shell-out percentages were evaluated by Dr. Shadrach Okiror, UAPB associate professor and plant breeder.
Four of the most commonly grown varieties in Arkansas – 'Epic,' 'Top-pick Pinkeye,' 'Early Scarlet' and 'Louisiana Quick Pick' (LA-Quick Pick), all bush-erect varieties – have been evaluated by Dr. Okiror. These varieties have pods that are set at the top of the canopy, making them easier to harvest, either by hand or mechanically.
'Early Scarlet,' a purple hull pea, had the highest fresh pea yield of 2,201 pounds per acre and the highest fresh pod yield of 4,402 pounds per acre. It had a shell-out percentage of 50 percent. 'Top-pick Pinkeye,' another purple hull pea, yielded 2,161 pounds per acre and a fresh pod yield of 4,322 pounds per acre and also a shell-out percentage of 50 percent.
On the other hand, 'LA Quick Pick,' a purple hull pea, and 'Epic,' a brown crowder pea, had only 40 percent and 42 percent shell-out percentages, respectively. 'LA Quick Pick' had a fresh-pea yield of 1,536 pounds per acre and a fresh pod yield of 3,840 pounds per acre. 'Epic' had a fresh pea yield of 1,675 pounds per acre and a fresh pod yield of 3,988 pounds per acre.
The top two (both shelled and in pods) favorites in the market place are 'Top-pick Pinkeye' and 'LA Quick Pick," says Dr. Njue. 'Top-pick Pinkeye' ranked second of the four varieties evaluated by Dr. Okiror in both fresh pea yield and fresh pod yield while 'LA Quick Pick' was fourth. Farmers should keep this in mind when planting, says Dr. Njue.
The older runner/creeping or climbing varieties, 'Coronet' for example, are ideal for backyard gardens or growers planning to use manual labor for harvesting. These older varieties flower and set pods over an extended period and the pods can be picked over several days.
Dr. Njue advises those selling peas at farmers' markets to inform customers of the nutritive value of southern peas, which are highly nutritious, so that nutrition rather than appearance becomes important. Peas are good sources of protein and rich in amino acids, lysine and tryptophan.
