EFFECTS OF TEMPERATURE ON PRIMARY GROWTH AND REGROWTHS OF ALFALFA

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Abstract
The cumulative gain and distribution of dry matter are described for both primary growth and three subsequent regrowths of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) cults Vernal and Moapa at an irradiance (400–700 nm) of 25 nE cm−2 s−1 and day/night temperatures of 20/15 C and 30/25 C. Whole plant dry weight and leaf areas increased curvilinearly with time in primary growth and linearly in regrowth. Root plus stubble weight after cutting, increased from first to third regrowth. Rates of leaf area expansion increased with time in primary growth but were constant in regrowth; they were higher in regrowth than in primary growth, and higher at 20/15 C than at 30/25 C. Individual leaf area was greater at 20/15 C than at 30/25 C, whereas average specific leaf weight was less at 20/15 C than at 30/25 C. This latter finding probably reflected longer leaf life at 20/15 C. Number of days to 50% flowering was greater at 20/15 C than at 30/25 C. Growth responses to temperature were similar during primary growth and regrowths.