A unidirectional water flux model of fruit growth

Abstract

A mathematical model of fruit growth has been developed based upon a unidirectional flux of solution into the fruit. The model relies entirely upon the physical process of diffusion and water evaporation driven by radiant energy and does not invoke any requirement for metabolic inputs by the developing fruit. The model will "grow" fruit of different varieties of different species to the correct size in the correct time. Key words: Lycopersicon esculentum, tomato, Prunus avium, cherry, fruit growth, phloem, translocation, transpiration, model.