ISHS Acta Horticulturae 276: II International Symposium on Computer Modelling in Fruit Research and Orchard Management
FOREWORD |
| Author: | J. LaMar Anderson |
| Abstract:
The 5 year interval since our first symposium on computer modelling in fruit research and orchard management (Acta Hort. 184) has seen great advances in electronic communication. Personal computers and telefax have become standard office equipment. Computer models have been developed to study tree phenology, physiological processes, epidemiology and pest management. Applied studies have formed the bases for economic and expert system models. Examples of each of these system were presented at this second symposium as both formal presentations and computer demonstrations. The success of the symposium was due in large measure to the attendees from both within the United States and from overseas. They contributed much by way of formal presentation and by discussion of their modelling experiences. This volume will be a valuable reference for those pursuing fruit modelling studies. Equally valuable to those in attendance were the informal post-session (and even late evening) discussions, demonstration of research and commercially available software, and tours of local research and commercial electronic facilities. CoPlot, CoStat, CoDraw, and Stella software packages were demonstrated. Appreciation must be expressed to Omnidata International and Campbell Scientific for their trade show exhibits and tours of their electronic equipment production facilities, to Dr. Bruce Bugbee for tours of the USU space biology laboratory, and to Dr. Martyn Caldwell for reviewing the USU plant ecophysiology research. Prof. Dr. Fritz Winter, chairman of the working group, expressed the concern that advances in computer modelling are occurring so rapidly that a 5 year interval between symposia is too long to keep abreast of current developments. Plans have already been initiated for the third international symposium. Individuals interested in being included on the working group mailing list are invited to correspond directly with Dr. Winter. Utah State University and the Utah State Agricultural Experiment Station celebrated their centennial in 1988. Their support of this symposium as one of the centennial events is gratefully acknowledged. | |
