Plant Temperature and Its Simulation Model of Thermo-Sensitive Genic Male Sterile Rice

Plant temperature (Tp) and its relations to the microclimate of rice colony and irrigation water were studied using a thermo-sensitive genic male sterile (TGMS) rice line, Pei’ai 64S. Significant differences in the daily change of temperature were detected between Tp and air temperature at the height of 150 cm (TA). From 8:00 to 20:00, Tp was lower than TA, but they were similar during 21:00 to next 7:00. The maximum Tp occurred one hour earlier than the maximum TA, though they both reached the minimum at 6:00. Tp fluctuated less than TA. At the same height, during 6:00–13:00, Tp was higher than air temperature (Ta), and Tp reached the maximum one hour earlier than Ta. During the rest time on sunny day, Tp was close to or even a little lower than Ta. On overcast day, Tp was higher than Ta in the whole day, and both maximized at the same time. In addition, Tp was regulated by solar radiation, cloudage and wind speed in daytime, and by irrigation water at night. The present study indicated that a TA of 29.6°C was the critical point, at which Tp was increased or decreased by irrigation water. Tp and the difference between water and air temperatures showed a conic relation. Tp fluctuation was also regulated by the absorption or reflection of solar radiation by leaves during daytime and release of heat energy during nighttime. By analysis on correlation and regression simulation, two models of Tp were established.