Model for simulation of growth and yield of greenhouse sweet pepper

Crop growth simulation models are useful tools in optimizing greenhouse crop and climate management. In order to quantify the effects of radiation and temperature on greenhouse sweet pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) growth and yield, experiments with 2 cultivars and different sowing dates were conducted in a multi-span Venlo-type plastic greenhouse located in Shanghai and a Chinese traditional solar greenhouse located in Shi He Zi, Xingqiang, China. The product of thermal effectiveness and PAR (TEP) was used as the predicting index, and the effects of radiation and temperature on dry matter partitioning and fruit harvest index were quantified based on the experimental data. And the relationship between dry weight and fresh weight of the fruits was derived according to the experimental data. A model for greenhouse sweet pepper growth and yield simulation was developed by integrating those quantitative relationships with a general photosynthesis driven biomass production model. Independent experimental data were used to validate the model. The results show that the model developed in this study gives satisfactory predictions of the growth and yield of sweet pepper grown in both the multi-span Venlo-type greenhouse and the solar greenhouse. The model developed in this study can be used for light and temperature management for greenhouse sweet pepper production.