Crop: Pisum sativum L. subsp. sativum var. arvense (Field pea)
Lollandske rosiner is remarkable by being semi-leafless, which means that the leaflets are converted to tendrils with the stipules remaining. It is thus standing stable in our often humid climate and that may prevent plant and seeds from being lost to mould. It must be sowed in early spring - March. It is likely that this particular cultivar was developed in a breeding work in the 1930’s, because of it semi leafless character, and disseminated to farmers after world war two.
The name Lollandske rosiner was a common name for grey peas with big green-greyish seeds. They have wrinkled seeds (marrow peas) giving resemblance to raisins. The cultivar was donated to the Danish Seed Savers in 2006 by a woman who had it from a collector who told that 100 year ago 44000 barrels of dried peas were sold to the workers in Copenhagen.
Cultivation System: ND.
Geographical Information
Country: Denmark
The Southern Islands Lolland and Falster in Denmark. Presently, it also grown in other locations.
Farmer(s) description:
Formerly, it was crofters cultivating grey peas, but today also home gardeners maintain the variety for self-supply. A few farmers cultivate bigger quantities for selling in farm shops.
Propagation system: Seed, self-pollination
Multiplication procedures and consequences on landrace diversity:As a self-fertilising species, it is a common practise to maintain it by farm saved seeds. Off types are removed.
Management plan existence:The ‘Lollandske Rosiner’ is part of Danish Seed Savers adaptation program. Here individual growers maintain their own lines independently, accession number FS 0230. Furthermore, the accession is stored ex-situ in the Nordic Genetic Resources Centre with accession number NGB20117.
Added Values
Grey peas have been out of fashion for a long time. The new Nordic food movement has called for renewed interest in this species. Grey peas have been involved in research projects and trials to regain lost and develop new knowledge on the crop.
Others (e.g. commercial/geographical brands or special traits):Legumes are becoming more used for home cooking, as vegetarian protein source, and some high-end restaurants use them as a speciality. ‘Lollandske rosiner’ has this characteristic slight bitter taste, which to some people are more attractive compared to the commercial very sweet pea.
There is no official program form on-farm conservation of heritage- or conservation varieties in Denmark. The maintenance of this landrace is the responsibility of the Danish Seed savers, alone.
The material can be accessed through the Danish Seed Savers; accession number FS0230 or form the genebank NordGen; accession number NGB20117.
Case study prepared by Danish Seed Savers (DSS), Denmark.
Most of updates have been communicated by Gert Poulsen (DSS).
- Ærter og bønner. Genopdagelse af 28 gamle danske sorter. Foreningen Frøsamlerne 2015