Thursday 14 April 2011

Growth stage explained

I have had a few requests to explain the meaning of cereal growth stages, something I spent years doing when I used to teach the subject but as a quick reminder here it is, so pay attention at the back!

GS 30 ear at 1cm; dissect the plant and look for the ear which admittedly is difficult to spot but with some care and practice becomes easier to identify. 

If it is less that 1cm from the base of the plant then your not at GS30, if it is more than 1cm then your in business.

GS31 first node detectable; again disect the plant and look for the ear and the node, if you can spot the difference and the gap between them is more than 1cm your at GS31 and you win a prize.