acronym entity method_of SplN Counting Both the total number of spikelets and the number of fertile spikelets (i.e., those containing grain) per spike should be counted towards the end of grain-filling, but before physiological maturity (to avoid losses due to movement through the plots). Randomly sample 5-10 spikes per plot, by selecting at the base of the culm. Count the total number of spikelets (pair-by-pair, from the base to the tip), then obtain the average. When sampling large numbers of samples or plots, time may be saved by randomly counting one side of the spike and multiplying by two. variable_of scale_of attribute