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Effects of Planting Density on Water Use and Productivity of Pearl Millet (Pennisetum Typhoides) Grown on Stored Water. I. Growth of Roots and Shoots

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  03 October 2008

S. N. Azam-Ali ,
P. J. Gregory  and
J. L. Monteith
S. N. Azam-Ali
Affiliation:
O.D.A. Microclimatology Group, University of Nottingham School of Agriculture, Sutton Bonington, Loughborough LE12 5RD, England
P. J. Gregory
Affiliation:
O.D.A. Microclimatology Group, University of Nottingham School of Agriculture, Sutton Bonington, Loughborough LE12 5RD, England
J. L. Monteith
Affiliation:
O.D.A. Microclimatology Group, University of Nottingham School of Agriculture, Sutton Bonington, Loughborough LE12 5RD, England
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Summary

Pearl millet (Pennisetum typhoides) was grown on stored water at Niamey, Niger, using three row spacings (38, 75 and 150 cm), to determine the physiological basis of exploitation and conservation of water by crops during drought Between 18 and 32 days after sowing, roots grew rapidly beneath all crops reaching 140 cm in the narrow spacing, but there were differences between crops in the pattern of growth. Soil cores and trench profiles indicated that plants in wider rows had fewer, deeper roots. Substantial differences in both the amount and pattern of shoot growth were recorded in the different populations. Initially growth was fastest at the narrow spacing but stopped by day 45 and eventually the wide spacing produced most dry matter due mainly to greater survival of tillers. The partitioning of above ground dry matter into vegetative and reproductive fractions was similar at all three spacings and was consistent with figures for comparable crops elsewhere. The important role of tillers is discussed in relation to the development and maintenance of a canopy.

Type
Research Article
Information
Experimental Agriculture , Volume 20 , Issue 3 , July 1984 , pp. 203 - 214
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1984

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References

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