Response to Temperature in a Stand of Pearl Millet (Pennisetum typhoidesS. & H.)

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Abstract
The leaf extension rate of millet plants was measured with auxanometers in temperature-controlled glasshouses. Temperature was the dominant environmental factor governing the rate of leaf extension. The observed linear relation between extension rate and meristem temperature had a base temperature of 10 °C and a less clearly defined optimum of about 30–32 °C. Leaf growth was expressed as extension per unit thermal time, mm (°C h)−1, to examine the influence of saturation deficit, irradiance and ontogeny at different temperatures. Leaf extension was independent of saturation deficit below 3.0 kPA. Irradiance, ranging from 4–16 MJ m−2 d−1, had a greater influence on the first five leaves than the subsequent ones but there was a large effect of leaf position. The results are discussed in relation to the growth of crop leaves in a tropical climate.