ISHS Acta Horticulturae 417: International Symposium on Greenhouse Crop Models
THE GREENHOUSE CARE SYSTEM: A DECISION-SUPPORT SYSTEM FOR HEIGHT CONTROL AND SCHEDULING OF POTTED FLOWERING PLANTS |
| Authors: | P.R. Fisher, R.D. Heins |
| Keywords: | poinsettia, Easter lily, chrysanthemum, elongation, growth, development, expert system |
| Abstract:
Control of elongation and time of flowering are major challenges in the production of high-quality potted plants. Graphical tracking is a technique that allows growers to compare actual measured plant height with a target height curve and make height-control decisions based on this comparison. The Greenhouse CARE System was developed as a computer decision-support tool to graphically track poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima Klotz.), Easter lily (Lilium longiflorum Thunb.), and chrysanthemum (Dendranthema x morifolium) crops. A ‘Second Opinion’ module was developed for poinsettia and combines a simulation model to predict short-term elongation with a knowledge-based system to make temperature and growth retardant suggestions based on the graphical track, growth stage, and projected elongation. For Easter lily, the Second Opinion module contains a model of plant development from emergence to flowering and a knowledge-based system that recommends temperatures and growth retardant applications. The software is currently for sale to growers. Benefits include a vehicle for delivering models and expertise to end-users, new technologies for decision support, the ability to link biological models directly to the greenhouse environmental computer, a database of commercial crop and climate information, and a means to validate models in a research environment. | |
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