A New Formulation of the Logistic Growth Equation and Its Application to Leaf Area Growth

Abstract

A formulation of the logistic growth equation in terms of two differential equations is proposed; this permits the asymptote to depend upon conditions during the growth period such as substrate supply (irradiance) and temperature. The application of the model to leaf area growth is outlined, and it is shown how observed responses of mature leaf area to irradiance and temperature may be simulated.