Inductive

The Inductive phase in Lentil represents the developmental period from FloralInitiation to FirstBudsVisiable. During this phase, the plant has transitioned to reproductive development and is responsive to environmental signals.

Overview

The GenericPhase model simulates the inductive phase using daily Thermal Time.

  • This phase starts at FloralInitiation and ends at FirstBudsVisiable
  • The plant is now responsive to photoperiod signals
  • The model uses daily thermal time, retrieved from the [Phenology].ThermalTime function
  • The Target thermal time is cultivar-specific and determined by [Phenology].InductiveBase
  • Floral buds are initiated at the shoot apex but not yet visible

Inductive Stage Characteristics

During the inductive stage:

  • Floral meristem development begins at the shoot apex
  • The plant is sensitive to photoperiod and temperature conditions
  • Visual buds are not yet apparent but differentiation is occurring
  • Duration can be modified by cultivar-specific photoperiod sensitivity
  • Node development may continue while reproductive changes occur

Cultivar-Specific Parameters

Name Description Default Value
[Phenology].InductiveBase Accumulated thermal time to reach budding (°Cd) 0
[Phenology].InductivePpSensitivity Photoperiod sensitivity factor for inductive phase Variable by cultivar

Practical Considerations

The inductive phase duration affects:

  1. Photoperiod response: Cultivars with higher photoperiod sensitivity may extend this phase
  2. Flowering synchrony: Allows the plant to synchronize flowering with favorable environmental conditions
  3. Cultivar variation: Different cultivars have varying photoperiod sensitivities and thermal requirements

Understanding this phase is important for predicting bud initiation and subsequent flowering under different seasonal conditions.