Rao, P. V., 1980. Determination of a growth--environment relationship in jute (Corchorus olitorius L). Agric. Meteorol., 22: 45--52.
Average daily growth rates of four varieties of jute (C. olitorius) were found from weekly observations of crop height in the field, and were analysed in relation to relevant environmental data from a nearby crop-weather station. Two-factor correlation analyses were made between the daily growth rates and average weather variables, age and cumulative growth of the crop. Multiple-regression analyses were derived taking the growth rate as dependent variable, and the significant weather parameters, namely weekly means of maximum and minimum air temperatures, morning soil temperature (5 cm depth) and mean daily rainfall, together with the plant factors, age and cumulative growth, as independent variables.
The regression equations were tested on independent weather and crop data. The close agreement of the calculated ("predicted") values with the actual recorded growth rates and cumulative growth indicates that the system offers promise for the prediction of growth by the use of environmental factors.