Parameter Optimization and Field Validation of the Functional-Structural Model GREENLAB for Maize at Different Population Densities

Abstract

This study showed that GREENLAB model has the ability to capture plant plasticity induced by PPD. The relatively stable parameter values strengthened the hypothesis that one set of equations can govern dynamic organ growth. With further validation, this model can be used for agronomic applications such as yield optimization.

Sensitivity Analysis of GreenLab Model for Maize

“…The model simulates individual organ production and expansion as a function of the growth cycle (GC), which corresponds to the phyllochron (thermal time in degree days between the appearances of two consecutive leaves on the main stem) before the end of plant organogenesis for maize [17].…”

“…We assume each uncertain input parameter has a uniform distribution which relies on the empirical knowledge, and we use the data from [7], [17], [18] to set the mean value and variance of all the parameters, which are listed in Table.1. …”

A Rule-Based Functional-Structural Model of Rice Considering Source and Sink Functions

“…Some workers have attempted to link this with quantitative genes and metabolic regulatory networks [4,5]. Other workers successfully implemented ecophysiological and graphically realistic models of maize [6,7], wheat [8,9] and also rice [10,11], mostly using L-system-based approaches [12,13]; in some of the mentioned instances, functional elements were added to model physiological processes (such as light interception or growth based on source availability and sink competition), e.g. the Greenlab model used by [7], in which a beta-function-based sink/source approach is used to model organ growth.…”

“…Other workers successfully implemented ecophysiological and graphically realistic models of maize [6,7], wheat [8,9] and also rice [10,11], mostly using L-system-based approaches [12,13]; in some of the mentioned instances, functional elements were added to model physiological processes (such as light interception or growth based on source availability and sink competition), e.g. the Greenlab model used by [7], in which a beta-function-based sink/source approach is used to model organ growth. Watanabe et al [10] proposed a spatially explicit virtual rice model to specify plant architecture and to find appropriate functions to represent growth and development across all developmental stages.…”

Modeling Inter-individual Variability in Sugar Beet Populations

“…It mostly concerns competition for light, by considering radiosity models to compute light interception [8] or empirical functions to describe interactions between neighbours [9]. The latter approach based on the GreenLab model of plant growth has led to model calibration at the population level in different density conditions for maize [10], tomato [11] or sugar beet [12]. The calibration process is based on an average individual plant.…”