2.2.3. Above-ground growth and yield
Phenological stages were determined weekly following the
BBCH scale (Lancashire et al., 1991). Crop biomass was sampled to
quantify the total dry matter at the following developmental
stages: tillering, beginning of stem extension, anthesis and
maturity. Three samples per plot were taken by cutting the plants
at the soil surface level on 50 cm along the seeding line. The
samples were oven dried at 65–70 8C for 48 h, and then weighed.
Yield components were determined at maturity. Ears were counted
and, after oven drying, threshed to determine the number of grains
per ear and the mean grain weight. In 2006, no samples of aboveground
biomass at tillering and at beginning of stem extension
were taken.