Simulation Of Development And Growth Of Greenhouse Muskmelon

Crop growth and development simulation model is a useful tool for the optimization of greenhouse crop and climate management. The objective of this study is to develop a muskmelon growth and development simulation model which can be used for the optimization of greenhouse muskmelon production management. For this purpose, experiments with different cultivars and substrates were conducted in a venlo-type greenhouse and a multi-span plastic greenhouse in Shanghai (121.5°E, 31.2°N) and Nanjing (118.5°E, 32.0°N) from 2003 to 2005 to collect data for model development and validation. Firstly, a module for greenhouse muskmelon development simulation model was developed based on the concept of physiological development time (PDT). Secondly, a module for greenhouse muskmelon leaf area simulation was developed using the product of thermal effectiveness and photosynthetically active radiation (TEP). Thirdly, a photosynthesis based dry matter production module was developed by combining the leaf area module developed in this study with the existing photosynthesis and dry matter production simulation model. Fourthly, a module for greenhouse muskmelon dry matter partitioning and yield prediction model was developed using dry matter partitioning index and diameter of muskmelon fruit. Finally, the four modules mentioned above were integrated to develop the growth and development simulation model of greenhouse muskmelon.In the phonological development submodel, the PDT value for the duration from sowing date to harvest was determined as 68 days, and that was 7, 17, 25, 35, 68 days, respectively, for the duration of development stages of germination, five leaf stage, tendril elongation, flowering, fruit setting and the whole growth duration. Independent experimental data of different cultivars were used to validate this submodel, the results show that the root mean squared error (RMSE) between the simulated and observed results for duration of development stages of germination, five leaf stage, tendril elongation, flowering, fruit setting and the whole growth duration, respectively, was 1, 3, 2.2, 1.8, 1.1, 2.6 days.