GROWTH STUDIES ON FRUITS AN EXPLANATION OF THE SHAPE OF THE GROWTH CURVE

Abstract

When the size of the tomato fruit is plotted against time a sigmoid curve is obtained which is like that of other growing structures. Deflorated bean plants have a much greater dry weight than plants producing flowers and fruits. Nutrition as a factor in shaping the growth curve is discussed, with the conclusion that growth is slow at first because the number of cells participating is small. Later, as more cells are produced and begin to enlarge, the rate of growth is much greater, but for this greater rate more nutrient material is needed, and after a while there is not enough material to supply both the growing fruits and the vegetative parts; the result is a slowing down and final stopping of growth. Poor conduction in the fruit is also a cause of the lack of nutrient material in the larger fruits.