MODIFICATIONS TO THE SIMULATION-MODEL POTATO FOR USE IN NEW-YORK

A crop growth model that contains considerable physiological detail is needed for integrated pest management studies with potatoes in New York. The simulation model POTATO, originally developed for Idaho, was examined for this purpose. It gave predictions of biomass that were 17% to 40% less than measured for potatoes grown at Freeville, New York. The model was modified to increase estimates of biomass production. Additional modifications were made to correct model hypotheses that did not seem consistent with physiological observations. Changes were made with respect to carbon assimilation, calculation of physiological age and partitioning of assimilate to various organs. Photoperiod and temperature were made to play a dominant role in the control of partitioning. Field data from three seasons were used to calibrate these changes. The modified version was then tested against field data from two other seasons at Freeville, New York. The new version was generally superior for New York, but it overestimated yields by 51% for the Idaho data set used to develop the original model. © 1990.