Table 9 Non-destructive plant variables measured in seedlings under greenhouse conditions

Days to germination (d)

D_G

2-4 weeks after sowing

From day of sowing, number of days until appearance of shoot from soil.

Days to cotyledon emergence (d)

D_CE

2-4 weeks after sowing

From day of sowing, number of days until both cotyledons were fully open.

Number of cotyledons (#)

N_Cot

2-4 weeks after sowing

Number of cotyledons per plant.

Plant height (cm.)

P_H

30 DAG

Plant height from the plant base at the soil to its apex.

Stem diameter (cm.)

S_D

30 DAG

Stem diameter at the base of the trunk.

First leaf length (cm.)

FL_l

30 DAG

For the first emerged leaf, length was measured from the point at which the petiole joins the leaf, to the tip of the leaf.

First leaf width (cm.)

FL_W

30 DAG

For the first emerged leaf, width was measured between the two furthest horizontal (and parallel) points across the leaf.

Total number of leaves (#)

Nr_L

60 DAG

Overall number of mature leaves, excluding cotyledons and emerging leaves around the plant’s apex.