Modelling leaf phototropism in a cucumber canopy

Leaf phototropism might have significant effects on the light interception, dry matter production and yield of cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.). The objective of the present study was to model the phototropism of leaves in a greenhouse cucumber canopy. The dynamic structural model of cucumber using a parametric L-system was extended to mimic the leaf movement induced by gradients in the local light environment of each leaf. The red to far-red (R:FR) ratio is known to be a driving force in shade avoidance reactions of plants. In the model, R:FR ratios on the left and right leaf half of each individual leaf lamina were calculated and the change in tropism angle per phyllochron was based on the R:FR gradient across the leaf halves. The tropism angle of a leaf describes the deviation of the present leaf azimuth from the initial leaf orientation, which is predefined by the phyllotaxis of the plant. Even in its simple form, the model simulated photo-morphogenic canopy responses.