Abstract: | The relative growth rates, growth rates, and final size of tillersand main-shoot leaves, internodes, and ear of a freely tilleringspring barley genotype were measured and compared with thoseof a non-tillering single-gene mutant. Leaf and internode growthand final size were greater in the non-tillering mutant. Thedifferences, it is proposed, arise because of changes in internalcompetition for assimilates brought about by the absence oftillers. There was little difference in ear growth or size,possibly because of abnormalities of ear development, whichresulted in fewer spikelets in the non-tillering genotype. |