Virtual COTONS®, the Firstborn of the Next Generation of Simulation Model

Abstract

Traditional plant architectural models or ‘visualization models’ propose to visually create realistic three-dimensional plants. The visualization is based on field sampling and the application of an algorithm to standardize the three-dimensional description of a plant. “L-systemsrd and the “Reference Axis” are two such approaches. Mechanistic or physiologically based models describe how a plant functions. They simulate physiologically realistic plants based on estimates of physiological development and growth. Their equations are derived from field experiments. In this study we integrated both modeling paradigms. We used functions and concepts obtained from mechanistic and architectural modeling theories and developed an integrated system. The resulting model allows vastly improved model output interpretation, use of the model as a surrogate experimental environment and to better integrate our knowledge about how plants grow into a unique system. The new model, named COTONS, produces “life-like” plants, it symbolizes crop models for the next century.