A fruit growth model dependent on both carbon supply and inherent fruit characteristics

A mathematical model of carbon accumulation by growing fruit is presented. The model implicitly incorporates the concepts of sink activity and sink si ze but avoids the need to stipulate sink strength. In addition to sink acti vity and size, carbon accumulation depends on characteristics such as photo synthesis and respiration of the fruit itself as well as carbon supply via the peduncle attachment. Simulations with prescribed limitations of carbon supply show similar results to field observations. The proposed model coupl ed with a carbon distribution/supply model could simulate the growth of ind ividual fruit within a heterogeneous canopy. (C) 1999 Annals of Botany Comp any.