IMapple: a source-sink developmental model for ‘Golden Delicious’ apple trees

Functional structural botanical tree models are one of the most difficult models in biology. We introduce IMapple, a model for ‘Golden Delicious’ apple (Malus × domestica) trees based on source-sink descriptions of plant resources. Our model uses precise geometrical representations with high quality polygonal meshes and geometric details. We introduce a novel simulation algorithm that provides detailed information about leaf irradiance by simulating direct illumination and self-shadowing. This provides information about incoming light and energy that is distributed by a sourcesink mathematical model. Our model aims to be parametric, highly interactive, and usable. Information about the qualitative and quantitative relationships of different parts of the model is provided interactively via a simple graphical user interface or directly from measured data. The simulation runs in 3D, at interactive framerates, and allows for fast experimentation and visual evaluation.