A simulation model for assimilate partitioning between pods in pea (Pisum sativum L.) during the period of seed set; validation in field conditions

A theoretical model for assimilate partitioning among pods in pea is proposed. In this model, based on previous results from ¹⁴C-labelling experiments, assimilates produced are allocated to each pod in proportion either to their biomass (before the final stage in seed abortion) or to their seed number (after this stage). This model was tested against results obtained from field experiments. Pod growth at each node was measured between the beginning of flowering and the final stage in seed abortion of the last node on the stem. The model predicts the dry matter allocated to pods of each node between two successive sampling dates. Input data are: development parameters, total reproductive growth rate per stem, seed number in pods which have passed the final stage in seed abortion and the dry weight of pods which have not yet reached this stage at the first sampling date. Observed and predicted dry matter amounts allocated to the pods at each node between two sampling dates were highly correlated for all field situations, validating the proposed model.