ISHS Acta Horticulturae 276: II International Symposium on Computer Modelling in Fruit Research and Orchard Management
USE OF A DYNAMIC MODEL ON DRY MATTER PRODUCTION AND ALLOCATION IN APPLE ORCHARD ECOSYSTEM RESEARCH |
| Authors: | J. Baumgärtner, B. Wermelinger, U. Hugentobler, V. Delucchi, P. Baronio, E. De Berardinis, J.J. Oertli, C. Gessler |
| Abstract:
This study relies on a previously developed dynamic model on apple tree growth and development which made use of the metabolic pool model to allocate photosynthates to different organs. Leaves, shoots, fruit and roots were considered as entities with demographic attributes which have variable developmental times and time-varying age structures. This model was the basic component of the apple tree ecosystem and permitted the study of plant and arthropod phenologies. It also provided the spatial background for population interactions between spider mites and their acarine predators. Furthermore, the simulated age structure of leaves and shoots was useful for representing plant influences on both population development of spider mites and on movement patterns of aphid populations. Subsequent work has shown, however, that the mathematical structure of the model and parameter estimation procedures could be substantially improved. In addition, the study of the plant effects on apple scab has revealed the need to represent population attributes of both leaves and fruit in a more detailed way than done so far. Daily age structure of leaves for example, is computed to account for the changing susceptibility to scab. In addition, the proposed modifications will enable us to change plant effects on herbivore population development into plant-herbivore population interactions. Although these changes are not yet fully realized the modified model is considered an important step in the development of a tool which provides insight into yield formation and population interactions and facilitates the search for the optimum design and management of apple orchard ecosystems. | |
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