| Abstract: | Mohamed, H. A., Clark, J. A. and Ong, C. K. 1988. Genotypicdifferences in the temperature responses of tropical crops.I. Germination characteristics of groundnut (Arachis hypogaeaL.) and pearl millet (Pennisetum typhoides S. & H.).—J.exp. Bot. 39: 1121–1128. The germination at constant temperature of several genotypesof groundnut and pearl millet was investigated between 0?C and50?C on a thermal gradient plate. Large differences in bothgermination rate and percentage germination were observed inboth species. Base temperatures vary from 8–11.5?C and 8–13.5?Cin groundnut and millet, respectively and optimum temperaturesfrom about 29–36.5?C in both. Maximum temperatures forgermination ranged from 41–47?C. The results are discussedin terms of adaptation to high soil temperature and crop establishmentin the semi-arid tropics. Key words: Temperature, germination, millet, groundnut |
