Researchers announced on May 7 that new approaches using process-based modeling and high-throughput phenotyping data are being studied to better predict how plants will grow in different environments. The research is led by To-Chia Ting, a postdoctoral scholar in agronomy, who is exploring methods to understand plant behavior and growth more accurately.
Predicting plant growth is important for maintaining the global food supply as shifting weather patterns, diseases, and pests threaten crops. Plant breeders need tools to develop new varieties that can withstand these challenges.
Ting said that process-based models differ from statistical models because they rely on mathematical equations describing physical or physiological mechanisms rather than just identifying patterns in data. “We want to use process-based modeling to understand plant growth and how genotypes, or different genetic varieties of plants, interact with their environment,” Ting said. “But the challenge of using these process-based models is that they need a lot of data to start functioning and to be checked for accuracy. If we rely on humans to collect data, it may not be realistic, especially if you want to examine thousands of genotypes.”
To address this challenge, Purdue’s Ag Alumni Seed Phenotyping Facility (AAPF) collects large datasets automatically by moving plants into imaging booths where their characteristics are measured without harm throughout their lifetime. This facility supports projects like Ting’s by enabling continuous data collection.
Ting and collaborators have published a literature review in New Phytologist connecting high-throughput phenotyping methods with process-based modeling for biological traits and responses. Ting said that creative methods are needed for each project: “Process-based modeling is not really like a protocol that never changes… The ability to think about new methods and to have innovation depends on both our biological understanding and communicating more with the engineers of phenotyping equipment, because it is their product.” She added that working with others brings fresh ideas: “People outside can see the question with some brilliant ideas that I never thought about.”
Diane Wang’s lab at Purdue studies rice—a staple crop for many regions—and sunflowers using the AAPF facility. Their goal is optimizing research outputs so breeders can select lines most beneficial for specific regions.
Purdue University Department of Agriculture functions as a core academic unit within Purdue University; its agricultural and biological engineering graduate program ranks first nationally according to U.S. News & World Report; it funds innovative projects through AgSEED grants; enhances social well-being through extension efforts; utilizes facilities such as the Agricultural Administration Building; and has notable faculty such as Virginia Ferris—the first female full professor—according to the official website.
