Seasonal Leaf Area-Leaf Weight Relationships in the Cotton Canopy

Specific leaf area (SLA), the ratio of leaf area to leaf dry weight, is used in crop simulation models to estimate total leaf area or dry weight. This experiment was designed to study changes in SLA in various parts of a cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) canopy throughout the growing season. The main stem of the cotton plant was divided into five-node segments. Leaf area and leaf dry weight were measured for each segment throughout the growing season