Developing a Snap Bean Simulation Model to Predict Fresh Market Production, and Quality Ofpods.

Snap bean is an economically important vegetable grown in Florida which accounts for 35% of the total harvested U.S. fresh market of snap bean and 55% of the overall U.S. crop value. Computer simulation models have become valuable management tools for assessing crop growth, yield and nutrient movement in plant and soil in relation to the weather, soil and management practices. Existing simulation models have limited capability in assisting production of crop such as snap bean primarily grown for fresh market in that most models only predict yield on dry matter basis. The purpose of this study was therefore to develop a snap bean simulation model. The CROPGRO Dry bean simulation model embedded in DSSAT 4.5. was adapted to accurately simulate the shoot dry matter accumulation, the pod dry matter and a new module was added to simulate the fresh market yield and pod quality of snap bean. A field experiment conducted in Gainesville Florida in spring 2007 was used for this model development. As a result, with calibration of genetic coefficients, CROPGRO Dry bean has adequate capabilities to predict the life cycle, biomass accumulation and yield components of snap bean over time. Also, pod dry matter concentration was well predicted but fresh market yield was somewhat under-predicted in late season. Simulation of pod sieve sizes and pod diameter which define pod quality was also acceptable. However, there is a need to further examine the functional relationships between variables in order to improve simulation capability of this model.