Crop growth and development describe the orderly sequence of physiological and morphological changes a plant undergoes from germination through vegetative growth, reproduction, and maturity to harvest. Growth refers to the irreversible increase in size and mass through cell division and expansion, while development …
Crop growth and development describe the orderly sequence of physiological and morphological changes a plant undergoes from germination through vegetative growth, reproduction, and maturity to harvest. Growth refers to the irreversible increase in size and mass through cell division and expansion, while development denotes progression through distinct phenological stages, each with characteristic requirements and sensitivities. These processes are governed by the interaction of genetic potential with environmental factors, including light, temperature, water, and soil conditions, and by nutrient availability and crop management. Mineral nutrition is central: nitrogen and other fertilizers strongly influence growth, yield, and resource-use efficiency, and the form, timing, and strategy of fertilization, whether organic, inorganic, or combined, shape crop performance under differing soil and climatic conditions, as seen in studies of cereals, oilseeds, and root crops across diverse environments. Genetic factors, including variation among cultivars and epigenetic regulation, modulate development and offer routes for improvement through breeding. Understanding crop growth and development allows growers and researchers to optimize the timing of sowing, irrigation, fertilization, and harvest, to match cultivars to environments, and to manage stresses that limit productivity. The study of these processes integrates agronomy, plant physiology, genetics, and soil science to enhance yield, quality, and the stability and sustainability of crop production.
8 peer-reviewed articles, ranked by relevance. Each links to its DOI.
The 8 articles above have been cited 23 times in the scholarly literature. Citation data via OpenAlex and Crossref, updated Jun 2026.
A sample of recent works citing this journal's research on Crop Growth and Development, linking to each citing work.