Response to Temperature in a Stand of Pearl Millet (Pennisetum typhoides, S. & H.):

Spikelet production and the duration of the early and late reproductive phases of millet plants were measured at five mean air temperatures (ranging from 19-31 °C) in temperature-controlled glasshouses. Both the rate of spikelet production and the duration of the early reproductive phase were very sensitive to soil temperature since the meristem was at or close to the soil surface. In contrast, the duration of the late reproductive or grain-filling phase was relatively constant from 25-31 °C. The number of grains produced declined as temperature increased from 22–31 °C but at 19 °C only a few grains were produced. Mean grain weight increased as temperature decreased from 31–19 °C. Reproductive development is also analysed in terms of thermal time (0) and base temperature (Tb). Tb appears to be similar for all the reproductive processes and may be identical to that established for vegetative processes. For the whole reproductive period, 0 ≏ 760 °C d and Tb ≏ 10 °C.