Development of a mathematical model of apple growth in changing climate

Fruit production is growing worldwide to meet the increasing demand for high quality, healthy food. Predicting how fruit yield and quality are optimally controlled by cultivation and postharvest conditions remains a grand challenge. Currently, a mathematical model is in development, that accurately describes and predicts biochemical and physical changes in fruit as affected by pre- and postharvest conditions. Such a model can be used to study the effect of environmental factors and climate change on fruit physiology and production. The aim for the PhD will be to develop and apply a spatially resolved model of apple tree and fruit growth and quality. This model includes submodels for water transport, biomass production, photosynthesis, sugar and acid metabolism, respiration, and takes soil and climate parameters into account in the three-dimensional dynamically changing structure of the tree and fruit. The model is to be validated based on spatial measurements of phenology using advanced 3D imaging techniques. The model will be used to investigate the effect on fruit production and quality of variations in climate conditions, measured across different spatial scales (micro to macro). Ultimately, the research will lead to the development of a decision support tool for fruit production and will as well serve as a means to better understand effects of climate change.