EAR LENGTH AND SPIKELET NUMBER OF WHEAT GROWN AT DIFFERENT TEMPERATURES AND LIGHT INTENSITIES

Abstract

The number of spikelets on the differentiating inflorescence and the ear at anthesis was highest at high light intensities and at low temperatures. The length of the developing inflorescence and the ear, the height of the main stem, and the total plant dry weight at the time of anthesis were also greatest under these conditions.These results are related to differential effects of temperature and light intensity on the rates and duration of apical elongation, morphological development of the ear, and spikelet formation.