Temperature and leaf area expansion of sugarcane: integration of controlled-environment, field and model studies

1998 ◽  
Vol 25 (7) ◽  
pp. 819 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael J. Robertson ◽  
Graham D. Bonnett ◽  
R. Michael Hughes ◽  
Russell C. Muchow ◽  
James A. Campbell

Canopy development is an important determinant of crop radiation interception, and in the absence of stress is mainly driven by temperature. The responses to temperature of the component processes of canopy dynamics in sugarcane: leaf appearance, leaf size, tillering, and leaf senescence, were analysed for the commercial Australian cultivar, Q117. Data were derived under optimal growth conditions from controlled environments, and from irrigated field studies in subtropical and tropical locations. Regression of number of fully-expanded leaves in field-grown plants against cumulative thermal time revealed that the thermal time between the appearance of successive leaves increased as a function of leaf number, such that leaf 1 required 86˚Cd and leaf 40 required 160˚Cd. At any moment, on average there were 3.7 leaves still expanding on the stalks. Functions describing leaf appearance gave acceptable prediction of the time course of leaf appearance taken from independent datasets of field-grown plant and ratoon crops. Leaf size increased with leaf position, with the largest leaves observed at approximately leaf 17 and above. Combining functions describing leaf appearance and leaf size as a function of leaf position allowed estimation of leaf area index (LAI) of main stems in plant and ratoon crops in subtropical and tropical environments. Tiller LAI, derived by difference, accounted for 60–90% of total LAI at the 5- leaf stage, declining to 20–50% at the 15-leaf stage. Plant and ratoon crops were similar in terms of the amount and proportion of tiller LAI. Combining data from all field studies indicated under potential growth conditions, leaf senescence was closely related to leaf production. The functions derived in this study give a basis for simulating canopy dynamics under potential growth conditions in sugarcane, though the extent of genotypic variation for the key parameters and their modification by stress remains to be assessed.

1995 ◽  
Vol 43 (2) ◽  
pp. 247-260
Author(s):  
H. Biemond

In a series of greenhouse and field trials, spinach cv. Trias plants were supplied with different amounts of N fertilizer in various split applications. Rates of leaf emergence and expansion were recorded, as well as final leaf size. The rate of leaf appearance varied between 0.16 and 0.57/day across experiments, but was hardly affected by N treatment. The rate of leaf expansion and mature leaf area increased with leaf number, reaching maximum values at leaf pair 3+4 or 5+6 and decreasing subsequently. Both characteristics were positively correlated with N supply. The duration of expansion was not influenced by N treatments and varied between 15 and 30 days in most experiments. The rate of leaf expansion was the main factor determining mature leaf size. Specific leaf area over all green leaves slowly decreased with time in most experiments and was around 300 cmsuperscript 2/g. As the differences in the number of leaves were small, the differences in total green leaf area per plant resulted from differences in the areas of individual mature leaves.


Weed Science ◽  
1992 ◽  
Vol 40 (3) ◽  
pp. 441-447 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael R. Hall ◽  
Clarence J. Swanton ◽  
Glenn W. Anderson

Field studies were conducted in southern Ontario to determine the critical period of weed control in grain corn and the influence of weed interference on corn leaf area. The Gompertz and logistic equations were fitted to data representing increasing durations of weed control and weed interference, respectively. The beginning of the critical period varied from the 3- to 14-leaf stages of corn development However, the end of the critical period was less variable and ended on average at the 14-leaf stage. Weed interference reduced corn leaf area by reducing the expanded leaf area of each individual leaf and accelerating senescence of lower leaves. In addition, weed interference up to the 14-leaf stage of corn development impeded leaf expansion and emergence in 1989.


1998 ◽  
Vol 49 (2) ◽  
pp. 249 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. J. Birch ◽  
G. L. Hammer ◽  
K. G. Rickert

The ability to predict leaf area and leaf area index is crucial in crop simulation models that predict crop growth and yield. Previous studies have shown existing methods of predicting leaf area to be inadequate when applied to a broad range of cultivars with different numbers of leaves. The objectives of the study were to (i) develop generalised methods of modelling individual and total plant leaf area, and leaf senescence, that do not require constants that are specific to environments and/or genotypes, (ii) re-examine the base, optimum, and maximum temperatures for calculation of thermal time for leaf senescence, and (iii) assess the method of calculation of individual leaf area from leaf length and leaf width in experimental work. Five cultivars of maize differing widely in maturity and adaptation were planted in October 1994 in south-eastern Queensland, and grown under non-limiting conditions of water and plant nutrient supplies. Additional data for maize plants with low total leaf number (12-17) grown at Katumani Research Centre, Kenya, were included to extend the range in the total leaf number per plant. The equation for the modified (slightly skewed) bell curve could be generalised for modelling individual leaf area, as all coefficients in it were related to total leaf number. Use of coefficients for individual genotypes can be avoided, and individual and total plant leaf area can be calculated from total leaf number. A single, logistic equation, relying on maximum plant leaf area and thermal time from emergence, was developed to predict leaf senescence. The base, optimum, and maximum temperatures for calculation of thermal time for leaf senescence were 8, 34, and 40ºC, and apply for the whole crop-cycle when used in modelling of leaf senescence. Thus, the modelling of leaf production and senescence is simplified, improved, and generalised. Consequently, the modelling of leaf area index (LAI) and variables that rely on LAI will be improved. For experimental purposes, we found that the calculation of leaf area from leaf length and leaf width remains appropriate, though the relationship differed slightly from previously published equations.


1989 ◽  
Vol 113 (3) ◽  
pp. 305-315 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. A. S. Maan ◽  
D. Wright ◽  
M. B. Alcock

SUMMARYThree pot experiments were performed in unheated glasshouses at the University College of North Wales College Farm, Aber, Gwynedd in 1980–1983. Two experiments tested the effects of sowing date and N supply, the third sowing density and nitrogen supply. Extension growth of main-stem leaves was measured by ruler and expressed in thermal time units to allow comparisons between sowing dates. Rate and duration of leaf extension were determined from linear regressions of leaf length against thermal time.Increasing N supply increased leaf extension rate but had no significant effects on leaf extension duration. Leaf extension rate increased with leaf position on the main shoot, but decreased slightly in leaves extending at the time of stem elongation. Leaf extension duration also increased with leaf position on the main shoot and was related to mean temperature during the leaf extension phase. Plants sown in September were able to compensate for lower radiation receipts by having a faster rate and longer duration of leaf extension, by producing larger leaves with a greater specific lamina area and by partitioning a greater proportion of extension growth into lamina and less into sheaths. In plants sown in June, the largest leaf occurred at a lower stem node and leaves emerging later showed a strong response to N. It is suggested that this is attributable to earlier onset of internal competition for assimilates. Variation in leaf extension rate was the main factor influencing variation in final leaf area. There was a strong positive relationship between leaf extension rate and leaf N content.Increasing sowing density increased the area of the first four leaves on the main shoot and decreased that of later leaves, changes mainly associated with changes in leaf extension duration. It is concluded that progress in the modelling of leaf area expansion, light interception and dry matter production requires more information about how sowing date, sowing density and N supply interact to influence crop development and leaf growth.


1970 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. 17-28 ◽  
Author(s):  
K. J. R. Edwards

SUMMARYUsing four lines derived from a single base population of Lolium perenne by selection for large leaf size (LL), small leaf size (SL), fast rate of leaf appearance (FR), and slow rate of leaf appearance (SR), the inheritance of a number of related characters specifying various aspects of leaf development was studied. F1 and F2 generations were produced for all possible crosses between these four lines.The genetic differences between the selection lines were largely additive for all characters studied and entirely so for rate of leaf appearance, duration of elongation of a single leaf and for the time interval between the maturation of leaf 3 and the unfolding of the next youngest leaf on the same side of the apex, leaf 5. The non-additive variances noted in rate of total leaf area formation, individual leaf size and its components length and width, and in the rate of leaf elongation, were associated with a tendency towards heterosis in these characters. This was quite marked in some crosses and tended to be larger for the more complex characters, rate of total leaf area formation and leaf size, suggesting that the heterosis was, to a considerable extent, due to interactions between genes controlling component characters.The data confirmed the earlier finding that the negative correlated selection response between leaf size and rate of leaf appearance was due to a basic association between the maturation of a leaf and the unfolding (onset of rapid elongation) of the next youngest leaf on the same side of the apex. Thus an increase in rate of leaf appearance reduces the duration of elongation of a leaf and this in turn will reduce leaf length. However, the basic association, which seems to be controlled by vascular development of the young leaf, is not entirely invariate.


1979 ◽  
Vol 93 (2) ◽  
pp. 291-307 ◽  
Author(s):  
E. J. Littleton ◽  
M. D. Dennett ◽  
J. Elston ◽  
J. L. Monteith

SUMMARYThe pattern of leaf growth and death was followed in stands of cowpea grown in the field at Ibadan, Nigeria. Temperature affected this pattern. Leaf area index increased quicker and leaf death started sooner during warm seasons. Individual leaves died while pods at the same node were filling. The rate of leaf appearance increased with temperature and the duration of expansion of individual leaves decreased so that a constant number of leaves were expanding at one time. The mean rate of expansion of individual leaves increased with temperature proportionately more than the duration decreased, hence final leaf size increased with temperature. Base temperatures for leaf appearance and leaf expansion were 16 and 20 °C respectively.


Weed Science ◽  
1993 ◽  
Vol 41 (1) ◽  
pp. 23-27 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rex A. Wichert ◽  
Ronald E. Talbert

Field studies were conducted in 1987 and 1988 to evaluate the vegetative response of soybeans to early postemergence applications of lactofen and to measure crop recovery. Soybean injury 4 d after treatment (DAT) averaged 29 and 34% with 0.22 and 0.44 kg ai ha−1of lactofen, respectively. Severity of leaf injury depended on leaf size at the time of lactofen application. Leaf area of soybean trifoliates one through three were reduced 30 to 45% at 12 DAT but recovered by 26 DAT. Later emerging trifoliates were not affected. Fresh weights of lactofen-treated soybeans were less than those of untreated plants 4, 8, and 16 DAT, and dry weights were less at 16 and 26 DAT. Lactofen reduced stomatal conductance of expanded leaves but had no effect on unexpanded leaves. Soybean yields did not differ with lactofen treatment.


HortScience ◽  
2005 ◽  
Vol 40 (4) ◽  
pp. 1040D-1041
Author(s):  
Gisele Schoene ◽  
Thomas Yeager ◽  
Joe Ritchie

In crop models, it is important to determine the leaf area, because the amount of light interception by leaves influences two very important processes in the plant: photosynthesis and evaporation. Leaf area is dependent on leaf appearance and expansion rates. Leaf appearance rate is driven mainly by temperature. Although the influence of temperature on leaf area development is well known for several agronomic crops, there is no information for woody ornamentals. An experiment was conducted to study the relationship between temperature and leaf appearance of container-grown sweet viburnum. Plants were grown in field conditions in Gainesville, Fla., during two growing periods (Apr. to Aug. 2004 and Aug. 2004 to Jan. 2005). Daily maximum and minimum temperature and leaf appearance were recorded. Linear regression equations were fitted to data and maximum and minimum temperature and leaf appearance were recorded. Linear regression equations were fitted to data and base temperature was assumed to be 8 °C. Thermal time (°C d) was calculated as daily average maximum and minimum air temperature minus the base temperature and was regressed against leaf number. The sum of accumulated thermal time was found to be linearly correlated with leaf number. Phyllochron, which is the thermal time between the appearances of successive leaves, was estimated 51 °C per day. The information presented in this study will be useful in modeling water use of sweet viburnum in response to environmental conditions.


1996 ◽  
Vol 351 (1348) ◽  
pp. 1671-1677 ◽  

Leaves display an enormous array of sizes and shapes. Although these attributes appear to have evolved primarily in response to abiotic conditions in the plant’s habitat, the importance of insect herbivores as additional selective agents is still poorly understood. A necessary requirem ent for leaf size and shape to evolve in response to attack by insects is that insects must respond to and/or be affected by, leaf morphology. We tested leaf-shape preferences in adult flea beetles ( Phyllotreta spp.) feeding on the highly variable rosette leaves of Capsella bursa-pastoris . Contrary to theoretical expectation (Brown & Lawton 1991), leaves with deeply lobed margins were more intensely damaged, both in field-collected and experimental plants. In two ancillary experiments with Capsella , we found that Spodoptera caterpillars showed no preferences for leaf shape, but that adult vine weevils ( Otiorhynchus sulcatus ) did, preferring (as predicted), undivided over divided leaves. We conclude that Brown & Law ton’s (1991) hypothesis is at best weakly supported by laboratory data for vine weevils, refuted by laboratory data for Spodoptera , and consistently refuted by both laboratory and field data for flea beetles. Although the experiment tried to reduce confounding variables to a minimum, interpretation was complicated by correlations between leaf shape and other developmental parameters of the plants, and highlights the difficulty of disentangling leaf-shape effects from other confounding factors.


1982 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 209 ◽  
Author(s):  
HM Rawson ◽  
JH Hindmarsh

Five commercial cultivars of sunflower were grown in cabinets at three temperature regimes, 32/22, 27/17 and 22/12°C, and with 15-h and 11-h photoperiods, and expansion of leaves 5-15 was followed. Leaves appeared faster with increasing temperature (0.022 leaves day-1 °C-1) and with increasing daylength. Areas of individual leaves increased linearly up the plant profile and, although final area per leaf (Amax) decreased with increasing temperature, the relative change was similar for each leaf position. Cultivars maintained their ranking for Amax across temperatures, and these rankings agreed with those in previous field studies. Within each temperature regime, both the expansion rate of leaves and the duration of expansion increased with leaf position. As temperature increased, leaves grew for shorter periods with a change of 1.04 days °C-1, but under the photon flux density used (500 �mol m-2 s-1, or about 25% full sunlight) expansion rates were greatest at the lowest temperature. Expansion rates were only one-third of those in field studies at comparable temperatures, but durations were similar. Cultivars that achieved the largest Amax did so via faster rates of expansion and not via longer durations: only one cultivar differed from the mean (20 days) duration of leaf expansion. All cultivars reached floral initiation progressively earlier with extension of photoperiod from 10 to 15 h, with the change for the most sensitive cultivars being 8 days and for the least sensitive 5 days. Rates of leaf emergence were linked with this sensitivity.


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