Growth and development of Avena fatua (Wild‐oat) in the field

Summary The growth and development of field‐grown Avena fatua plants were studied for autumn and spring sowings in two consecutive years. The duration of various growth stages from sowing until anthesis was quantified in terms of thermal time (accumulated degree days) or photothermal time (degree days modified by photoperiod). Base temperatures and photoperiods for developmental phases were estimated as those which minimised the coefficient of variation among sowing dates. Relationships were derived between leaf emergence, canopy height, plant leaf area, and photothermal time. Stem extension and flowering occurred earlier in autumn‐sown plants than spring‐sown plants. Autumn‐sown plants produced more leaves on the main stem, and had greater leaf area and above‐ground biomass at anthesis than spring‐sown plants.