Barley morphology, genetics and hormonal regulation of internode elongation modelled by a relational growth grammar

Gerhard Buck-Sorlin, Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research, Gatersleben

A multiscaled ecophysiological model of vegetative and generative development of barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) is presented in this talk. The model is based on the new formalism of relational growth grammars (RGG), an extension of L-systems, and implemented using the new modelling language XL. It is executable in the interactive modelling platform GroIMP. The model comprises a set of morphogenetic rules. These are combined with a metabolic regulatory network, which simulates the biosynthesis of gibberellic acid (GA1). GA1 and two of its metabolic precursors are transported along the developing simulated structure. Local concentrations of virtual GA1 control the elongation of internodes. In addition, virtual barley individuals can be chosen interactively from a (small) population, based on genotype, and (sexual or asexual) reproduction is simulated. Genotype and phenotype of the population are visualized. Seven Mendelian genes have been implemented in the model so far; some of these directly influence the GA-regulation network. The model exemplifies and validates the new formalism and modelling language. RGG have the capability to represent genetic, metabolic and morphological aspects of plant development and reproduction, all within the same framework.


Vincent Moulton
© 2005, CBL
Computational Biology Laboratory,
School of Computing Sciences,
University of East Anglia,
Norwich, NR4 7TJ, UK.