ISHS Acta Horticulturae 707: VII International Symposium on Modelling in Fruit Research and Orchard Management
FOREWORD, PREFACE |
| Authors: | P. Braun, ISHS Board of Directors |
| Abstract:
FOREWORD This International Symposium on Modelling in Fruit Research and Orchard Management is the 7th in a series starting back in the 1980s. Here, colleagues from all over the world came together to discuss and present ideas on how to use modelling to solve problems within fruit science from very practical day-to-day decision support for orchard management to the basic principles of crop growth and the influence of limiting factors. The group started with the main idea of yield prediction and phenological studies, but it has developed since now spanning the whole range from the basic principles of carbon allocation to decision support systems. However, the unifying theme was and still is the understanding of plant growth, its interaction with the environment and how this can be applied at the different levels of interest ranging from basic physiological understanding to day-to-day decision support. This general interest in understanding plant performance from very different points of views was also reflected in the contributions and lively discussions and was the key recipe for the success of this symposium. The open atmosphere allowed newcomers to modelling to feel at home at once and discover how modelling approaches help structuring their own thoughts and research. The symposium started with presentations on decision support systems for citrus by Gene Albrigo demonstrating how basic phenological research can be used to support growers in their day-to-day decisions. More underlying basic research was then presented combining function and structural development of mango, kiwifruit, apple and peach continuing one main theme of the last symposium. A very inspiring key-note speech by Mikhael Semenov on using weather generators in crop modelling introduced a session on climate variability and climate change effects on crop growth and performance. This theme was continued with more presentations on modelling phenology including presentations on the latest developments in the understanding of dormancy. Another key note speech from Jan Nyrop shifted the focus over to pest/disease interactions with crop development. He pointed out very clearly how important the understanding of the physiological reactions of our crops is and that pest/disease development on its own is only one half of the problem. His presentation was very stimulating certainly triggering new research efforts in this field. The symposium ended with a fascinating insight into how statistical methods can support the estimation of flower density, yield and quality predictions. This concluded a very balanced mixture of more applied and the underlying basic research leaving ample time for discussions in the forum, smaller groups or just on a one to one basis. The strategy to go to relatively long intervals between meetings but then have the meetings over four days proved to be the right one. This strategy also contributed to the symposium being characterised by a very open, relaxed and friendly atmosphere fostering lively and extensive discussions. The working group is looking forward to the next meeting in Switzerland in 2007 where Dr. Jörg Samietz will be our host (Joerg.Samietz@faw.admin.ch). The working group maintains a website under the ISHS website (http://www.ishs.org/sci/sci2.htm - choose F10 for Modelling working group and sign up for the mailing list) as well as a website maintained by our secretary, Dr. Trevor Atkins (http://www.hortplus.com/ISHSModel/index.htm). We look forward to welcoming new members. Peter Braun Convener PREFACE The papers contained in this volume of Acta Horticulturae report the Proceedings of the VIIth International Symposium on Modelling in Fruit Research and Orchard Management. Keynote speakers and authors of selected contributed oral and poster presentations were given the opportunity to submit a manuscript for publication. These manuscripts were reviewed by the symposium Editor and Members of the Editorial Committee. Only those papers judged suitable for publication following the authors consideration of reviewer suggestions appear in this volume of Acta Horticulturae. The ISHS acknowledges and appreciates the contribution of the Editor and Reviewers. They have made a significant contribution to improving the quality of this publication. The ISHS Board of Directors | |
