Response to Temperature in a Stand of Pearl Millet

Abstract

Stands of pearl millet Pennisetum americanum were grown in glasshouses in which the mean air temp. was controlled to 19, 22, 25, 28 and 31°C. During the main growth period, LAI increased at a constant rate which was proportional to mean temp above a base of 10°. The warmest stand therefore intercepted more radiation before anthesis but the transmission coeff. was independent of temp. The efficiency of conversion for intercepted radiation varied from 2.1 to 2.4 g/MJ. The data suggests growth rate should be max. at 25-27° and total dry wt. at 20-22°