FinalPodsDeveloping

The FinalPodsDeveloping phase in Lentil represents the developmental period from TerminalNode to LastPodsDeveloped. This phase covers the development of the latest pods formed on the plant.

Overview

The GenericPhase model simulates the final pod development using daily Thermal Time.

  • This phase starts at TerminalNode (when the main stem stops growing) and ends at LastPodsDeveloped
  • Late-forming pods complete their development
  • Earlier pods are already in grain-filling stage
  • The model uses daily thermal time, retrieved from the [Phenology].ThermalTime function
  • By this stage, main stem has ceased vegetative growth

Final Pod Development Characteristics

During this phase:

  • Latest pods on the plant reach full size
  • These pods were initiated late in the flowering period
  • They develop concurrently with grain filling in earlier pods
  • Pod development is largely non-competing for resources with earlier pods due to main limitations in resource uptake
  • The timing of pod completion affects grain number of late pods

Practical Considerations

Factors affecting final pod development:

  1. Temperature: Warmer conditions accelerate final pod development
  2. Photoperiod: Late-developing pods may be affected by declining day length
  3. Plant resources: If resources are limiting, final pods may abort or develop incompletely
  4. Cultivar differences: Determinate vs. indeterminate growth habits affect final pod formation
  5. Timing of stress: Late-season water or temperature stress impacts final pod viability

The model simulates the development of the final suite of pods, which contribute to overall grain yield but typically produce fewer and lighter grains than earlier-formed pods.