Influence of the genetic variation of branching during early growth on light interception efficiency of apple trees: a modelling study with MAppleT

Light interception is a key parameter to optimise fruit tree production. Assuming that genetic variability of branching along trunks impacts tree development, total leaf area and light interception in the consecutive years, we estimated STAR values on 1 to 5 years old simulated apple trees. We analyse the relative impact of proleptic and sylleptic shoots, and depending on their length category on STAR variance