Analysis and modelling of apple fruit growth

Crop management can be really improved by the analysis and modelling of crop growth. Particularly fruit growth represents a relevant element, because it is directly related with crop yield, and thus with the management of important techniques connected with harvesting, storing and commercialising. Fruit diameter is a very important index of fruit dynamics, and strongly related with the final yield. Moreover, it can be monitored non-destructively during the growing season. On these basis the analysis and modelling of fruit diameter was carried out on apple trees (Malus communis). Data sets were collected during several growing seasons in many orchards located in the northern regions of Italy. Fruit growth was analysed according to several indexes based on time after bloom. Moreover, simulation of fruit growth was attempted by means of several mathematical models. Finally the possibility to forecast harvest size of apple was evaluated on the basis of linear regression analysis of diameters measured during the growing season.