EduAPPLE: Interactive Teaching Tool for Apple Tree Crown Formation

Abstract

In central Europe there are many backyard fruit growers who receive no proper education about fruit tree care. Their knowledge is mostly based on various handbooks and learning through trial and error. Such learning is slow and can even result in damage to the tree. To shorten the learning time, a new interactive teaching tool EduAPPLE has been developed based on the basic laws of apple tree (Malus ×domestica) growth and training. Pruning, weighting, tying, and spreading can be interactively practiced over and over again without any danger to the actual trees. Training responses are immediately seen and are analogous to those of real trees. They are not only predetermined by a set of rules, but also calculated based on the changes the actions cause to the light interception of the tree. EduAPPLE enables high-quality views of trees and their light interception from all angles in real time and is designed for education regarding free-standing apple tree training (spindle). It can, therefore, be used in schools, universities, and other educational organizations, as well as by tree growers, including the large number of growers having only a few fruit trees.