Apple fruit diameter and length estimation by using the thermal and sunshine hours approach and its application to the digital orchard management information system.

ABSTRACT: In apple cultivation, simulation models may be used to monitor fruit size during the growth and development process to predict production levels and to optimize fruit quality. Here, Fuji apples cultivated in spindle-type systems were used as the model crop. Apple size was measured during the growing period at an interval of about 20 days after full bloom, with three weather stations being used to collect orchard temperature and solar radiation data at different sites. Furthermore, a 2-year dataset (2011 and 2012) of apple fruit size measurements were integrated according to the weather station deployment sites, in addition to the top two most important environment factors, thermal and sunshine hours, into the model. The apple fruit diameter and length were simulated using physiological dev

SUBMITTER: Li M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4382048 | biostudies-literature | 2015

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature