Growth analysis of poppies (Papaver somniferum L.)

Abstract

A growth analysis study of the effects of two contrasting environments on the yield of field grown poppies (Papaver somnifevum L.) was undertaken using regression techniques. The change in total plant yield during the 1977-78 season was found to be adequately fitted by a cubic polynomial equation. In contrast, the change in total plant yield during the 1976-77 season and the development of leaf area index in both seasons were found to be adequately fitted by quartic polynomial equations. The total plant yield in the 1977-78 season was considerably higher than that in the 1976-77 season from the beginning of December to dry maturity with a maximum difference of 2 200 kg/ha on 15 January. This yield difference can be attributed to the higher crop growth rate in the 1977-78 season from 30 November to 18 January with a maximum difference of 12 g/m2/day on 30 December. Leaf area index was considered to be more important than net assimilation rate in influencing the crop growth rate up to 20 December. The differences in leaf area between the two seasons could be attributed to the climatic conditions. Under Tasmanian conditions, poppy yields could be expected to be reasonably stable from year to year, provided that the crop is encouraged to grow at its optimum during the whole season.