Dynamic Aspects and Enhancement of Leaf Elongation in Rice

Abstract

Some dynamic aspects of leaf elongation in rice were studied. Under both well watered and water-deficient conditions, leaf elongation rates were 15 to 30% greater during the day than during the night. Night temperatures below 27 C limited the rate of elongation at night but when night temperatures exceeded 27 C, night elongation rates exceeded rates during the day. The diurnal pattern of elongation was opposite to the pattern of bulk leaf turgor which was lower during the day than at night.