Modeling the Vegetative Maturity of Red-osier Dogwood1

Abstract

A computer model was developed to predict autumn vegetative maturity, end of summer dormancy of red-osier dogwood ( Cornus sericea L. syn. Cornus stolonifera Michx.). Empirical equations were developed from growth chamber data and applied to results obtained from lath house grown plants. The model required input parameters of 2-hourly temperatures and daylengths. From the data daily phototemperature values were determined. The empirical model over-estimated the time to maturity of the lath house grown plants by only 4 days, perhaps indicating the need for a more precise measure of the critical photoperiod.