Seasonal changes in abscisic acid concentration of perennial root nodules of beach pea (Lathyrus maritimus [L.] Bigel.)

Introduction Beach pea (Lathyrus maritimus [L.] Bigel.), a potential cold-climate circumpolar legume crop, naturally grows along the shorelines of Newfoundland, Canada. It is perennial and persistent for many years, and is resistant to drought and frost. It forms large continuous stands by rhizomes and has prolific seed production. Sometimes, the vegetative parts of beach pea are used as fodder for cattle (1) and seeds have been used for food or feed purposes during scarcity of other foods by stranded sailors . Vigorous plant growth has occurred in both greenhouse and field trials . The added advantage of the nutritional value of the seeds and other plant parts (5) suggests that beach pea may be a good candidate as a cold-climate crop for food, feed or forage. Having a symbiotic association with the nitrogen-fixing soil bacterium, Rhizobium, makes it even more attractive as a crop, which allows beach pea to grow well in nutrient-poor areas that can be inhospitable to other plants .