Modelling the influence of assimilate availability on root growth and architecture

A model has been designed to simulate rubber seedling root development as related to assimilate availability. Each root of the system is defined both as an element of a network of axes, characterized by its order, position and connections and as an individual sink competing for assimilates. At each time step, the growth of each root is calculated as a function of its own growth potential and of assimilate availability calculated within the whole plant. The potential elongation rate of a root is estimated by its apical diameter, which reflects the size of the meristem. When a root is initiated, the apical diameter depends on root type, but it varies thereafter according to assimilate availability. Thus, the latter controls both current and potential elongation. The model was able to simulate periodicity in root development as related to shoot growth and to reproduce differences in sensitivity to assimilate availability related to root type. It thereby validated the hypothesis that root growth but also root system architecture depend on assimilate allocation and that apical diameter is a good indicator of root growth potential. Provided that specific calibration is done, this model may be used for other species.