Response to Saturation Deficit of Leaf Extension in a Stand of Pearl Millet (Pennisetum typhoidesS. & H.)I

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Abstract
Thermal time is used to analyse hourly differences in leaf extension rate of pearl millet. The procedure enables the effects of the environment on leaf extension to be examined when temperature is varying. The analysis was made on the results of two experiments in which saturation vapour pressure deficit (SD) was controlled or allowed to vary with air temperature. In all treatments, temperature was the major environmental factor governing the rate of leaf extension. The effect of SD was small in one experiment and negligible in the other. In the former, leaf extension was also limited by another factor, probably irradiance.