Abstract
Dry matter production of cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) and rice (Oryza sativa L.) during early growth was measured in plants grown under three temperature regimes (37/32, 30/25, 23/18°C) in greenhouses.
Cassava grew vigorously at both 37/32 and 30/25 °C but poorly at 23/18 °C. Both rapid leaf emergence and high unit leaf rate (E) compensated for the limited expansion of individual leaves at 37/32 °C.
Rice grew poorly at 37/32 °C showing low values of E and relative leaf growth rate (RA) . The latter was a result of less tillering when compared with that at 30/25 °C, the best growth conditions for rice in this experiment.
