A Fruit Growth Model Dependent on Both Carbon Supply and Inherent Fruit Characteristics

A mathematical model of carbon accumulation by growing fruitis presented. The model implicitly incorporates the conceptsof sink activity and sink size but avoids the need to stipulatesink strength. In addition to sink activity and size, carbonaccumulation depends on characteristics such as photosynthesisand respiration of the fruit itself as well as carbon supplyvia the peduncle attachment. Simulations with prescribed limitationsof carbon supply show similar results to field observations.The proposed model coupled with a carbon distribution/supplymodel could simulate the growth of individual fruit within aheterogeneous canopy.Copyright 1999 Annals of Botany Company Fruit growth, model, carbon partitioning, source:sink, relative growth rate.