Diurnal patterns of stem elongation varied with ambient temperature. Stem elongation was more rapid during the day at lower (20-24°C) day/night temperatures. However, the proportion of night growth increased with increasing temperatures from 30% of the daily total at 20° to 100% at 30°. A decline in both the number and duration of growth flushes appeared to explain the low level of shoot elongation at higher (28° and 30°) day/night temperatures. Under the given experimental conditions, diurnal rhythms in stem elongation reflected ambient temperature rather than seedling water potential.

Full text doi:10.1071/BT9770455

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