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Tree fruit crops constitute a commercially important and nutritionally significant foodstuff – their consumption is encouraged as federal policy. The most important factor driving purchase decisions for fruit is the overall eating experience. The future of Washington’s tree fruit industries depends upon delivering to the consumer a superlative, consistent, and flavorful product.
Quantifying intra-tree fruit quality variability relative to 3D canopy architecture
3D modeling of apple trees
Research Methodology: We propose to combine development of high-resolution digital 3D canopies with high-density maps of individual fruit quality to identify key topological and microclimatic factors affecting apple and sweet cherry fruit quality. In this second year we propose to continue development of technologies for 3D digital reconstruction of canopy architecture and characterize the variability in individual fruit quality with this architecture.
Objectives: Our goal is to quantify inter- and intra-tree variability in fruit quality in relation to three dimensional canopy architecture. Our long-term goal is to develop an automated grower tool for tree fruit pruning based on learned relationships of fruit position and quality. Specific objectives include:
- Create high resolution 3D digital models of canopy architecture
- Identify range in quality attributes among all fruit in relation to 3D position
- Develop pragmatic management strategies to minimize variability