DEVELOPMENT, CALIBRATION AND VALIDATION OF A GREENHOUSE TOMATO GROWTH-MODEL .2. FIELD CALIBRATION AND VALIDATION

The tomato crop growth model described in part I of this study has been parameterized on the basis of the results of experiments conducted in greenhouses in the northern Negev of Israel. Iterative procedures were applied to derive the parameters for the functional responses of various processes to temperature, radiation intensity and carbon dioxide concentration. The model was subsequently validated on the basis of the results of completely independent experiments. It is shown that the model accounts for the major phenomena observed under greenhouse conditions, and may be used, therefore, with confidence to examine the effects of environmental conditions and management practices on tomato fruit yield. It may also form the basis of decision support systems, aiming at recommendations for crop management. To improve its performance and range of applicability, further development of the model is necessary, including more morphological detail, as well as effects of other environmental factors.