Integrating mixed-effect models into an architectural plant model to simulate inter- and intra-progeny variability: a case study on oil palm (Elaeis guineensisJacq.)

Abstract

Three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction of plants is time-consuming and involves considerable levels of data acquisition. This is possibly one reason why the integration of genetic variability into 3D architectural models has so far been largely overlooked. In this study, an allometry-based approach was developed to account for architectural variability in 3D architectural models of oil palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) as a case study. Allometric relationships were used to model architectural traits from individual leaflets to the entire crown while accounting for ontogenetic and morphogenetic gradients. Inter- and intra-progeny variabilities were evaluated for each trait and mixed-effect models were used to estimate the mean and variance parameters required for complete 3D virtual plants. Significant differences in leaf geometry (petiole length, density of leaflets, and rachis curvature) and leaflet morphology (gradients of leaflet length and width) were detected between and within progenies and were modelled in order to generate populations of plants that were consistent with the observed populations. The application of mixed-effect models on allometric relationships highlighted an interesting trade-off between model accuracy and ease of defining parameters for the 3D reconstruction of plants while at the same time integrating their observed variability. Future research will be dedicated to sensitivity analyses coupling the structural model presented here with a radiative balance model in order to identify the key architectural traits involved in light interception efficiency.

Breeding the oil palm (Elaeis guineensisJacq.) for climate change

“…The evaluation of new palm morphotypes and the search for ideotypes will also depend on how the palm architecture governs the interception of light and the captation of carbon (Perez et al, 2016). This question is complex as it involves oil palm cultivation systems and climate, together with growth patterns of the palms and their physiology.…”

“…Ultimately, the aim is to define the genotypes adapted to local conditions and to provide a basis for the selection of ideotypes carrying the best combination of architectural and functional traits. Such studies involve the modelling of the architecture of several genotypes on the same site and the further comparison of their efficiency for light interception (Perez et al, 2016). In this aim, the most important architectural features in interception efficiency must be identified and virtual palm architecture will be assessed while combining various architectural features in order to determine the most efficient ideotypes in terms of carbon captation.…”

Experimental botany in 2017

“…The eXtra Botany section is of central importance in the mission of the journal to reach out to the plant science community, showcasing not only outstanding research but also the breadth of plant science presented in the articles we publish, which together characterize the journal (Raines, 2016). Over the past year, topics highlighted have ranged across the journal’s research themes, from architecture and morphogenesis, whether at the whole plant level (Perez et al , 2016; Struik, 2016), in the leaf (Routier-Kierzkowska and Kierzkowski, 2016; Sahaf and Sharon, 2016) or in the roots (Kircher and Schopfer, 2016; Scheres and Laskowski, 2016) to the plant cell (Pedrazzini et al , 2016; Strasser, 2016); and from metabolism (Hanson, 2016; Young et al , 2016), biochemistry (Kosma and Rowland, 2016; Schneider et al , 2016) and transport (Sack et al , 2016; Trifiló et al , 2016) to plant defence (Agut et al , 2016; Groen, 2016). Research involving crops continues to be extremely important, from phenotyping in the field (Christopher et al , 2016; Rebetzke et al , 2016) to epigenetics (Giovannoni, 2016; Gouil et al , 2016).…”

Bridging the genotype–phenotype gap in 3D

“… Perez et al (2016) investigated variability in 3D architecture for oil palm ( Elaeis guineensis ). It is a suitable model plant as it has a simple architectural topology, characterized by a mono-axial shoot producing phytomers in a regular succession and arranged with radial symmetry, following Corner’s architectural model (Box 1).…”