Simulation of Growth and Yield in Cotton: Respiration and the Carbon Balance¹

Abstract

Rates of respiration and dry matter accumulation were measured for growing squares (floral buds), bolls, and leaves of cotton, Gossypium hirsutum L. After assuming a “maintenance respiration” and a “growth respiration”, it was possible to derive an equation whereby such components of respiration could be estimated from regression analysis of transformed experimental data. New values for the efficiency of conversion of photosynthate into dry matter were estimated for leaves, squares and bolls; such values ranged from 50 to 69%. The theory, experiments described, and results from cotton offer hope for better descriptions of respiration for growing organs of other plant species. Such information is urgently needed for the development of management models depending on predictions on effects of environment on plant growth.