Carbon supply from starch reserves to spring growth: Modelling spatial patterns in kiwifruit canes

Abstract

The remobilization and transport of reserve carbon from a kiwifruit (Actinidia deliciosa) cane to developing axillary shoots was modelled using a simple pool structure and mass flow process. Manipulative experiments with mature kiwifruit plants are compared with simulation results. The model uses detailed architectural information rather than explicit partitioning functions, achieving carbon partitioning as emergent behaviour of a spatial organization. The model successfully simulated shoot growth and starch distribution patterns.