Articles
MODELLING DRY MATTER ALLOCATION IN CUCUMBER CROPS- COMPETITION BETWEEN FRUITS AND ROOTS
Article number
328_18
Pages
195 – 204
Language
Abstract
A simple model of carbon distribution is proposed for the simulation of root development of a cucumber crop.
This approach is based on the dynamic tomato simulation model (TOMGRO) developed by Jones et al. (1991). The total potential demand for carbon is calculated as a function to the development stage of each sink (organ unit) and to climatic conditions.
Relative sink strength, upon which dry matter partitioning depends, is calcuted.
Available carbon is computed as a function to daily radiation received by the canopy.
For fruits and root system, maintenance respiration is then deducted and daily growth computed.
We conclude that roots are an important sink and growth of small fruits (before flowering) may be stongly inhibited in the case of low photosynthetic activity.
Root growth is an opposite function of the fruit load; in our conditions it never ceases.
There is a close correlation between the simulated rate of root growth and the root lengthening observed.
This approach is based on the dynamic tomato simulation model (TOMGRO) developed by Jones et al. (1991). The total potential demand for carbon is calculated as a function to the development stage of each sink (organ unit) and to climatic conditions.
Relative sink strength, upon which dry matter partitioning depends, is calcuted.
Available carbon is computed as a function to daily radiation received by the canopy.
For fruits and root system, maintenance respiration is then deducted and daily growth computed.
We conclude that roots are an important sink and growth of small fruits (before flowering) may be stongly inhibited in the case of low photosynthetic activity.
Root growth is an opposite function of the fruit load; in our conditions it never ceases.
There is a close correlation between the simulated rate of root growth and the root lengthening observed.
Publication
Authors
S. Chamont
Keywords
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