Simulation and Quantitative Analysis of Branching Patterns of the Plum Tree

Abstract

Background and Aims: Pruning fruit tree is undoubtedly a critical cultural practice which leads to sustainable production along with profitability of the trees. Several limitations of classic approaches pertaining to studying pruning techniques based mostly on fruit yields and quality evaluations have kept us from thoroughly understanding the growth habits of branches under field conditions. A simulation model of branching patterns of the plum tree (Prunus salicina cv. Sanhua) introduced in this paper enables both non-professionals and professionals to better understand and predict pruning effects on branching pattern and fruiting habit of the trees. The visual comparison of branching and fruiting characteristic of the prunedparent shootprovides immediate feedback on different pruning intensities at the level of shoots. Methods: Semi-Markov chains were built with diverse initial probabilities, transition probabilities and occupancy distributions to describe the number of occurrence of girl shoots along the pruned parent shoot. Branching structures were reconstructed using AmapSim computer software with different shoot types, considering topological and geometrical functions.

A Process Model for Simulation the Growth and Development of Sweet Sorghum

“…Potential applications of integrating simulation and 3D visualization include intelligent systems for sustainable agriculture and environment as well as tools for scientific computing [11,26], teaching theoretical concepts in agricultural management practices [34], and training [32,33].…”

“…3D plant model, visual representation of threedimensional architecture of plant, can be produced for analytic, scientific and industrial purposes [8,25]. For example, 3D plant models can be used in computer simulations of landscape evolution [15] and calculations for branching and fruit-setting structures of fruit trees [32].…”

VISmaF: Synthetic Tree for Immersive Virtual Visualization in Smart Farming. Part I: Scientific Background Review and Model Proposal

“…The difference in modeling approach and modeled organs leads to a number of different agronomic applications. Applications of AMAPsim have been found in the literature in several areas such as studying the response of trees to wind, as shown by Sellier et al [51], quantitative analysis of branching patterns [50], and how planting density and density can affect plant architecture [54]. These applications have been made possible, as described in the previous section, by the integration of specialized external modules into AMAPsim.…”