A DECISION-SUPPORT SYSTEM FOR REAL-TIME MANAGEMENT OF EASTER LILY (LILIUM-LONGIFLORUM THUNB) SCHEDULING AND HEIGHT .1. SYSTEM DESCRIPTION

A decision-support system was developed for recommending night and day temperature settings to control the timing and height of Easter lily (Lilium longiflorum Thumb.). Existing biological models and qualitativ e rules were combined into an overall model of the response of plant d evelopment rate to temperature. A process control algorithm was used t o determine appropriate height control actions based on a graphical co ntrol chart of plant height over time. A knowledge-based system checke d the feasibility of output from the development and height control mo dels and generated a text report. This model was implemented on a pers onal computer in a program called ''The Greenhouse CARE System'' and h as been linked directly with an environmental computer to control gree nhouse temperatures. A companion article describes validation of this model. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Ltd.