New model for modelling growth and dry matter partitioning in root crops
19 Jun 2019
In New Zealand the carrot model, developed by Reid and English at Plant & Food Research, has been used by growers to explore the impacts of different planting densities, fertiliser levels and weather scenarios on harvest dates and yields. It has also been used in the UK to assist growers with regulations using spatially variable irrigation to improve yields.
Previous models of root crops, however, have a weakness in the way they calculate the growth of leaf area and the distribution of dry matter between leaves and roots.
In this study, Dr Reid tested a new model of crop growth which incorporated a feedback loop between leaf growth, senescence, the partitioning of dry matter above and below ground and fraction of light transmitted through the canopy (which depends on leaf area index). The study found that the new model was simpler and more widely applicable than existing approaches.
Funding for this study was provided by the Ministry for Business Innovation and Employment Strategic Science Investment Fund.
Journal Reference:
Reid, J (2019) Modelling Growth and Dry Matter Partitioning in Root Crops; a Case Study with Carrot (Daucus Carota L.) New Zealand Journal of Crop and Horticultural Science DOI: 10.1080/01140671.2019.1588134
