The effect of changing plant density on floral initiation and development of barley (cv. Sultan)

Abstract

SummaryBarley plants were grown at low, high, increasing and decreasing densities in an attempt to manipulate the environment. The effects on tiller production and development were measured.Increasing density with time had less effect than decreasing it. Tiller number was the most plastic character, tiller production being earlier in those plants which emerged into low density, being delayed or inhibited in other treatments. The number of spikelets/ear and the length of the inflorescence were found to be less stable characters than the stage of ear development. Percentage spikelet survival showed a downward trend, with increasing density stress.