ARS | Publication request: NOTICE OF RELEASE OF 'CHARLESTON BLACKEYE', A ROOT-KNOT NEMATODE RESISTANT, BLACKEYE-TYPE SOUTHERNPEA FOR THE PRODUCTION OF FRESH-SHELL PEAS

Submitted to: USDA, Agricultural Research Service, Cultivar Release
Publication Type: Germplasm Release
Publication Acceptance Date: January 31, 2005
Publication Date: January 31, 2005
Citation: Fery, R.L., Thies, J.A. 2005. Notice of release of 'Charleston Blackeye', a root-knot nematode resistant, blackeye-type southernpea for the production of fresh-shell peas. USDA, Agricultural Research Service, Washington D.C. 31 January 2005.

Technical Abstract: The USDA has developed a new blackeye-type southernpea cultivar named 'Charleston Blackeye'. The new cultivar was developed from a cross between 'Bettergro Blackeye' and the breeding line Au 84-G-328. 'Charleston Blackeye' originated from a bulked F8 population grown in 1996. 'Charleston Blackeye' has an upright plant habit, and it is more resistant to lodging than 'Bettergro Blackeye'. 'Charleston Blackeye' is homozygous for the Rk gene that conditions a high level of resistance to root-knot nematodes. A typical fresh-shell stage pod is an attractive yellow color, long (24 cm), straight to slightly curved, exhibits only slight constrictions between peas, and contains 15 peas. Fresh peas exhibit a primary cream color, have a kidney shape and a small black eye, and weigh 36 g per 100 peas. Dry peas have a rough seed coat. 'Charleston Blackeye' is 3 days earlier in maturity than 'Green Dixie Blackeye' and produces smaller seeds (15 vs. 16 g per 100 dry seeds). 'Charleston Blackeye' is recommended for trial by market gardeners to produce attractive fresh-shell stage pods and fresh-shell peas for sale in farmers' markets.