Integrating Markov Chain Models and L-systems to Simulate Architectural Development of Apple Trees

An approach for modelling and simulating the architectural development ofapple trees is presented. The approach is based on using an L-systems framework tointegrate a Markov model of terminal bud fate and a number of hidden semiMarkov models of axial bud fate. Results show that these models are able torepresent the branching zones observed in apple trees at node scale, simulate thesequences of annual growth units found along branches, and capture importantaspects of the bearing pattern. Integrating these models gives a simulation of thedevelopment of the whole tree that can be used to evaluate the ability of local-scale models to capture global characteristics.