ALMOPOL: A Cross-pollination and Nut Set Simulation Model for Almond

Abstract

ALMOPOL is an interactive computer-based model that simulates the interactions of weather, bloom phenology, blossom quality, and honey bee foraging behavior that culminate in almond [ Prunus dulcis (Mill) D. A. Webb] nut set. ALMOPOL enables users to enter orchard conditions, colonies per hectare, and foragers per colony. Information concerning honey bee foraging behaviors and blossom quality (i.e., a blossom's probability of setting a nut if cross-pollinated) can also be entered interactively into the program. Hence, nut set estimates are specific for a given set of weather, orchard, bee behavior, and blossom quality conditions. A description of the logic and data used in ALMOPOL's construction is included.