FinalGrainsFilling

The FinalGrainsFilling phase in Lentil represents the developmental period from LastPodsDeveloped to LastGrainsFilled. This phase covers the grain filling in the latest pods formed on the plant.

Overview

The GenericPhase model simulates the final grain-filling process using daily Thermal Time.

  • This phase starts at LastPodsDeveloped and ends at LastGrainsFilled
  • Grains in late-formed pods undergo grain filling
  • Early and middle grains are near physiological maturity
  • The model uses daily thermal time, retrieved from the [Phenology].ThermalTime function
  • Later-developing grains may have shorter filling periods

Final Grain-Filling Characteristics

During this phase:

  • Final grains accumulate dry matter and nutrients
  • Starch and protein accumulate in these grains
  • Earlier grains may already be mature or nearly mature
  • Resource competition may exist between final grains and earlier maturing grains
  • The duration of final grain filling affects final grain weight of late pods

Practical Considerations

Critical factors affecting final grain filling:

  1. Temperature: Cooler temperatures near end of season may slow final grain filling
  2. Water availability: Must be sustained until final grains mature
  3. Radiation: Adequate light supports carbohydrate supply for grain filling
  4. Photoperiod: Declining day length toward harvest signals reproductive maturity
  5. Cultivar maturity: Some cultivars have shorter final grain-filling periods
  6. Seasonal timing: Late-season crops may face accelerated maturation under photoperiod cues

The model simulates final grain filling as a continuation of the grain-filling process. While important, these grains typically contribute less to total yield than grains filling earlier in the season.