FloralInitiation

The FloralInitiation phase in Chickpea represents the developmental period from EndJuvenille to StartBudding. This phase covers the period when the plant has completed its juvenile phase and is now responsive to photoperiod as it transitions toward reproductive development.

Overview

The GenericPhase model simulates the time between EndJuvenille and StartBudding stages.

  • This phase starts at EndJuvenille and ends at StartBudding
  • The model uses daily Thermal Time, retrieved from the [Phenology].ThermalTime function
  • The Target thermal time is influenced by cultivar-specific parameters

Photoperiod Sensitivity

Following the juvenile phase, chickpea becomes sensitive to Photoperiod during floral initiation. The response varies by cultivar:

  • Long-day response: Many chickpea cultivars flower earlier under longer days
  • Day-neutral cultivars: Some cultivars show minimal photoperiod sensitivity
  • Quantitative response: The effect is typically quantitative rather than absolute

The photoperiod influence during this phase determines the timing of visible bud formation.

Cultivar-Specific Parameters

Name Description Default Value
[Phenology].FloralInitiation.Target Base thermal time for floral initiation (°Cd) 250