A process-based model to simulate nitrogen distribution in wheat (Triticum aestivum) during grain-filling
Jessica Bertheloot A B , Bruno Andrieu A B G , Christian Fournier C D and Pierre Martre E FA INRA, UMR 1091 EGC, F-78850 Thiverval-Grignon, France.
B AgroParisTech, UMR 1091 EGC, F-78850 Thiverval-Grignon, France.
C INRA, UMR 759 LEPSE, F-34060 Montpellier, France.
D SupAgro, UMR 759 LEPSE, F-34060 Montpellier, France.
E INRA, UMR 1095 GDEC, F-63100 Clermont-Ferrand, France.
F Université Blaise Pascal, UMR 1095 GDEC, F-63100 Clermont-Ferrand, France.
G Corresponding author. Email: bruno.andrieu@grignon.inra.fr
This paper originates from a presentation at the 5th International Workshop on Functional–Structural Plant Models, Napier, New Zealand, November 2007.
Functional Plant Biology 35(10) 781-796 https://doi.org/10.1071/FP08064
Submitted: 8 March 2008 Accepted: 30 September 2008 Published: 11 November 2008
Abstract
Nitrogen (N) distribution among plant organs plays a major role in crop production and, in general, plant fitness to the environment. In the present study, a process-based model simulating N distribution within a wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) culm during grain filling was developed using a functional–structural approach. A model of turnover of the photosynthetic apparatus was used to describe the fluxes between a common pool of mobile N and each leaf lamina. Grain N accumulation within a time-step was modelled as the minimum between the quantity calculated by a potential function and the N available in the common pool. Nitrogen dynamics in the other organs (i.e. stem, chaff, root N uptake and remobilisation) were accounted for by forced variables. Using a unique set of six parameters, the model was able to simulate the observed N kinetics of each lamina and of the grains under a wide range of crop N supplies and for three cultivars. The time-course of the vertical gradient of lamina N during grain filling was realistically simulated as an emerging property of the local processes defined at the lamina scale. The model described in the present study offers new insight into the interactions between N metabolism, plant architecture and productivity.
Additional keywords: emerging property, functional–structural plant model, leaf senescence, light gradient, L-system, nitrogen gradient, photosynthetic nitrogen turnover, plant architecture.
Acknowledgements
This work was supported by the French Ministry of Research and Technology and by the doctoral school ABIES. We thank Dr Tino Dornbusch and Alexis Marceau for their useful comments on the manuscript as well as Suzette Tanis-Plant for her assistance with the editing. The constructive comments of three anonymous reviewers have helped to improve the manuscript.
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