Abstract

Horsegram is a cold-weather crop, generally grown during November and December season in Tamil Nadu. This implies that the crop is probably sensitive to photo- periodism. Since the yield improvement is being planned on the basis of specific breeding programmes, basic information is needed regarding the photoperiodic sensitivity of this crop. Four cultivars viz, CO 1, CODB 2, CODB 5 and CODB 6 were subjected to eight hour photoperiod along with the control which was placed under normal environmental conditions available during the period of experimentation. After ten days of short day treatment, the crop responded, showing floral initiation, The control plants did not flower at that enviromental conditions. The plant normally, requires short day condition for floral initiation but further development of flowers could take place under day neutral condition. There is a positive correlation between the flowering nodes and the leaves.

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