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Growth Analysis Based on Degree Days¹

Comparisons of growth analysis functions within and among experiments are often confounded by sources of variation other than those imposed by treatment. We suggest use of a temperature index, such as modified growing degree days, as the divisor in growth functions to facilitate treatment comparisons within certain experiments and to reduce the effects of differing temperature regimes among experiments on these comparisons. Three experiments were identified to provide data to analyze this new approach. Mean absolute growth rate (
) and mean relative growth rate (
) were compared in two experiments with maize (Zea mays L.) conducted in eastern Nebraska. Previously published values of
and mean net assimilation rate (
) of barley (Hordeura vulgare L.) grown under controlled environments in a soil temperature and P fertility study were also evaluated. Use of modified growing degree days, rather than days, as the divisor in these growth functions led to the recognition of physiological differences due to or associated with treatment, which were previously masked by normal crop response to temperature, and clarified other treatment differences by reducing the effect of temperature.

Key Words: Barley • Growth functions • Growth rate • Heat units • Hordeum vulgare L. • Maize • Net assimilation rate • Relative growth rate • Zea mays L.

² Soil scientist, USDA-ARS, St. Paul, Minn. (formerly assistant instructor, Dep. of Agronomy, Univ. of Nebr.; professor, Dep. of Agronomy, Univ. of Nebr.-Lincoln, Lincoln, Nebr.; and research leader, USDA-ARS, Lincoln, Nebr.

Received for publication September 2, 1982.

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