Crops In Silico: Generating Virtual Crops Using an Integrative and Multi-scale Modeling Platform.

Area of Science:

• Plant biology
• Computational biology
• Systems biology

Background:

• Multi-scale models link biological processes from genes to whole plants.
• Integrating plant models with environmental models predicts responses to perturbations.
• Current isolated efforts limit progress in crop improvement and understanding.

Purpose of the Study:

• Introduce Crops in silico, an integrative, multi-scale modeling platform.
• Unify isolated plant modeling efforts to create virtual crops.
• Provide an open, accessible resource for the plant biology community.

Main Methods:

• Development of an integrative and multi-scale modeling platform.
• Community engagement through symposia and workshops to identify challenges.
• Leveraging advances in high-performance computing and mechanistic plant understanding.

Main Results:

• Identified major challenges in developing and deploying a shared modeling platform.
• Established a framework for connecting gene networks, metabolism, physiology, and growth.
• Facilitated the generation of virtual crops for research and development.

Conclusions:

• A paradigm shift towards a connected community in plant modeling is needed.
• Crops in silico offers a solution for integrated, multi-scale plant simulations.
• This platform can accelerate crop yield, sustainability, and food security.