Relative contribution of foliage display and leaf functions to branch physiological capacities in two apple cultivars : a functional-structural modeling approach
Résumé
The vegetative and reproductive growth of fruit trees depends on assimilate production which is
controlled by tree canopy structure and leaf functions, both modulated by their interactions with the
environment (Lakso 1994). Understanding more precisely how these factors influence the variation of
growth and yield is a major issue for fruit growers. Functional-structural plant models (FSPMs) offer
promising perspectives to understand these complex interactions at different spatial and temporal
scales (Godin and Sinoquet 2005). In this context, the aim of the present study was to unravel in apple
the relative contribution of foliage display and leaf functions (leaf stomatal and photosynthetic
properties) on light interception, transpiration and photosynthetic capacities of branching systems [introduction]