Presentation of CPlantBox: a whole functional-structural plant model (root and shoot) coupled with a mechanistic resolution of carbon and water flows
Abstract
Carbon forms the structure of every life form, especially plants. Within the plant architecture, water and carbon flows are linked through tight interactions between xylem and phloem vessels (Münch theory[1]). Root growth is locally constrained by the amount of carbon available for the meristem. Thus, to evaluate and manipulate root growth and development, we need to: · Understand how carbon is allocated and prioritized between different roots (e.g. primary vs laterals, principal vs seminals vs nodals). · Understand connection between local water availability and carbon allocation.