ARCHITECTURAL MODELING IN HORTICULTURE - QUO VADIS?

Architectural models describe plant architecture in silico. They can be either static or dynamic and can represent the morphology of plants at various levels of detail – often resulting in a realistic visualization, which is per se of great power. However, one of the main scientific goals pursued with architectural modeling in applied plant sciences is to test hypotheses on canopy architecture responses to environmental stimuli. This aims at developing a better understanding of the complex interactions between morphology and physiology controlling plant productivity. As the method of choice, virtual plants have become increasingly popular within the last decade. They are functional-structural plant models which integrate three-dimensional representations of plant architecture and concepts of plant functioning, such as models for photosynthesis or dry matter allocation. Numerous modeling aspects have to be considered in developing such an explanatory plant model. A central point is the conceptualization and parameterization of architectural organ response curves to environmental stimuli. Therefore, this work presents an overview of the state of the art in architectural modeling and an inventory of current problems to be tackled. Finally, we discuss what actually can be expected from architectural modeling in assisting today’s practical horticulture.