Estimation of tendrils parameters depending on the sowing methods, in contrasting Pisum sativum L. varieties.

Morphological traits of tendrils of different pea varieties in pure and mixed sowing were determined in this study. The study presents the description of tendrils in two pea cultivars: the leafed variety with a strong lodging tendency and the semi-leafless variety with a lower lodging degree. Tendril length, surface area and mass in the vegetative phases were determined. The study showed that the stability of stems depends on the variety type. The semi-leafless variety grown in a mixture developed stronger tendrils along nearly the entire stem length, whereas in pure sowing it developed tendrils with higher parameters only in the upper part of the stem. The variety with typical foliage grown in mixed sowing developed shorter tendrils with a smaller surface area, while in pure sowing, showed a higher activity of tendrils. The semi-leafless pea is a dominant and aggressive species in mixed sowing with linseed. The dominance of peas resulted from the development of longer tendrils with a larger surface area. However, the dominance of peas in a mixture did not cause the plants to produce a larger mass or a larger number of pods and seeds.