Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 7, 2026

Development of an Individual-Tree Basal Area Increment Model using a Linear Mixed-Effects Approach
Published on: July 3, 2020
Dissecting apple tree architecture into genetic, ontogenetic and environmental effects: mixed linear modelling of
Vincent Segura1, Christian Cilas2, Evelyne Costes1
1INRA, UMR DAP, INRA - Montpellier SupAgro - CIRAD - Université Montpellier II, Equipe Architecture et Fonctionnement des Espèces Fruitières, 2 place P. Viala, 34060 Montpellier Cedex 1, France.
Abstract:
The present study aimed to dissect tree architectural plasticity into genetic, ontogenetic and environmental effects over the first 4 yr of growth of an apple (Malus x domestica) F1 progeny by means of mixed linear modelling of repeated data. Traits related to both growth and branching processes were annually assessed on different axes of the trees planted in a staggered-start design. Both spatial repetitions, (i.e. different axis types) and temporal repetitions (i.e. successive ages of trees) were considered in a mixed linear model of repeated data. A significant genotype effect was found for most studied traits and interactions between genotype and year and/or age were also detected. The analysis of repeated temporal measures highlighted that the magnitude of the decrease in primary growth is mainly determined by the first year of growth, and the decrease in bottom diameter increment is concomitant with the first fruiting occurrence. This approach allowed us to distinguish among the traits that were under genetic control, those for which this control is exerted differentially throughout tree life or depending on climatic conditions or an axis type. Mapping quantitative trait loci (QTL) that are specific to these different effects will constitute the next step in the research.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Behavioral Genetics and Its Designs
The primary methodologies used in behavior genetics include family studies, twin studies, and adoption studies, each providing unique...
Survival Tree
Building a Survival Tree
Constructing a survival tree begins...
Mechanistic Models: Compartment Models in Individual and Population Analysis
Evolutionary Relationships through Genome Comparisons
Gene-Environment Interactions
Longitudinal Research

