Dear Dr Matthews

Since we work mainly with deciduous fruit crops, we do not use
DSSAT for modeling purposes.  There is however the model VINET
that is used by producers for irrigation scheduling of vineyards.  We
are currently evaluating a mechanistic, real time, generic crop
growth and FAO-based, soil water balance irrigation scheduling
model (Soil Water Balance) for deciduous fruit.  More information
with regard to this model can be obtained from Dr Annandale  who
is a lecturer at the University of Pretoria
([log in to unmask]).  There is also a codling moth
phenology model which is used by producers to determine
appropriate spray dates.  At the moment these models are not
included in a decision support system, but work is being done in
that direction.


Regards


Theresa Volschenk







Theresa Volschenk
Plant Physiologist
Department of Soil Science
ARC-Fruit, Vine and Wine Reasearch Institute
Internet: [log in to unmask]
Tel: Int+27 21 8093345
Fax: Int+27 21 8093002

Theresa Volschenk
Plant Physiologist
Department of Soil Science
ARC-Fruit, Vine and Wine Reasearch Institute
Internet: [log in to unmask]
Tel: Int+27 21 8093345
Fax: Int+27 21 8093002