Grain yields for all varieties were determined by sampling a
25 m2 area in each sub-plot, and expressing results on the basis of
a 14% moisture content. Yield components, i.e. number of
panicles m2, spikelets panicle1, percentage sterility and 103
grain weight were determined. The panicle density and the
harvest index (i.e. the ratio of dry grain yield to dry aboveground
plant biomass at harvest), were calculated on three replicated
0.25 m2 sampling areas within each sub-plot. The tillering rate
was calculated as ratio between the panicle density and the
number of plants. The number of spikelets per panicle and the
percentage sterility were determined on a sample of 20 panicles
for each sub-plot, while the weight of 103 grains was determined
on two replicates per sub-plot.