From field data to modelling concepts: building a mechanistic FSPM for apple

The objective of this project is development of methods for mechanistic modelling of apple tree growth and function. The project consists of two interrelated workstreams: the prototype model building, and the experimental data collection and analysis to provide conceptual and quantitative support for model fitting, evaluation and improvement. The L-system model is built at a metamer scale and incorporates the tree architecture and carbohydrate dynamics, including acquisition, transport, allocation and reserve accumulation and mobilization. The objective and the scale of the model determined the type of the data collected in the project and their spatial and temporal resolution. Currently, the experimental results are used for testing and improving the model functions governing organ growth and carbohydrate dynamics.