Some comments on computer simulators for plant growth—1975

Abstract The status of plant growth modeling activities is reviewed for a general audience. Recently, excellent textbooks and review papers have been published which summarize past efforts in modeling plant physiological processes. Anyone interested in plant-growth modeling should be aware of this background material which describes the modeling tradition in the plant sciences. Presently, we need better critical evaluations of such models, including experimental techniques necessary for generating associated data. Such critiques should be aimed at users of large plant-growth models in other disciplines. Recent developments in the construction of cotton growth models are described. Modeling philosophy is discussed in relation to the above.