Response to Temperature in a Stand of Pearl Millet VI. LIGHT INTERCEPTION AND DRY MATTER PRODUCTION

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°