A dynamic simulation model for predicting the growth and flowering of tulips forced hydroponically

A dynamic simulation model applicable to the production of cut tulips in a plant factory was developed. This model can predict the forcing days and th e cut flower quality from the period of bulb chilling at 2 degreesC and the forcing temperatures. Data for calibration were collected from the hydropo nic forcing experiments in 1996 and 1997 using 'Gander', in which the perio d of bulb chilling at 2 degreesC and the forcing temperatures were varied. In the model, translocation of dry matter from the mother bulb scales to ne wly developing component parts, i.e., shoot, floral organs, and daughter bu lbs was simulated via the effects of the periods of bulb chilling and the f orcing temperatures on dry weights at planting and relative growth rates of component parts, and days from planting to anthesis. Shoot fresh weight an d perianth length were calculated from shoot dry and perianth dry weights, respectively. The agreement in verification between the simulated days from planting to anthesis, shoot fresh weight and perianth length and those obs erved in the forcing experiment was favorable.