• Journal of Bio-Environment Control
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• v.32 no.4
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• pp.501-512
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• 2023

This study aimed to assess and determine the optimal model for predicting the full bloom date of 'Fuji' apples across South Korea. We evaluated the performance of four distinct models: the Development Rate Model (DVR)1, DVR2, the Chill Days (CD) model, and a sequentially integrated approach that combined the Dynamic model (DM) and the Growing Degree Hours (GDH) model. The full bloom dates and air temperatures were collected over a three-year period from six orchards located in the major apple production regions of South Korea: Pocheon, Hwaseong, Geochang, Cheongsong, Gunwi, and Chungju. Among these models, the one that combined DM for calculating chilling accumulation and the GDH model for estimating heat accumulation in sequence demonstrated the most accurate predictive performance, in contrast to the CD model that exhibited the lowest predictive precision. Furthermore, the DVR1 model exhibited an underestimation error at orchard located in Hwaseong. It projected a faster progression of the full bloom dates than the actual observations. This area is characterized by minimal diurnal temperature ranges, where the daily minimum temperature is high and the daily maximum temperature is relatively low. Therefore, to achieve a comprehensive prediction of the blooming date of 'Fuji' apples across South Korea, it is recommended to integrate a DM model for calculating the necessary chilling accumulation to break dormancy with a GDH model for estimating the requisite heat accumulation for flowering after dormancy release. This results in a combined DM+GDH model recognized as the most effective approach. However, further data collection and evaluation from different regions are needed to further refine its accuracy and applicability.