A digital-simulation-design paradigm for stomatal engineering: From predictive modeling to smart breeding

Area of Science:

• Plant physiology
• Agricultural science
• Systems biology

Background:

• Global agriculture faces a paradox: feeding a growing population with limited water resources.
• Stomata, pores controlling CO2 uptake and water loss, are central to crop water-use efficiency (WUE).
• The inherent trade-off between stomatal conductance and photosynthesis limits progress in enhancing crop WUE.

Purpose of the Study:

• To address the intractable trade-off between stomatal conductance and photosynthesis for improving crop water-use efficiency.
• To explore the complex, interconnected network regulating stomatal behavior.
• To advocate for a shift from reductionist approaches to predictive, systems-level modeling for rational crop design.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on stomatal physiology and regulation.
• Analysis of the systems-level complexity of stomatal control mechanisms.
• Emphasis on the application of mechanistic, quantitative systems modeling.

Main Results:

• Stomatal regulation involves a complex network, making single-gene interventions insufficient.
• Interventions in one part of the stomatal network can lead to compensatory adjustments, limiting desired outcomes.
• The antagonism between stomatal conductance and photosynthesis is a fundamental barrier to improving WUE.

Conclusions:

• Overcoming the stomatal conductance-photosynthesis trade-off requires understanding the entire regulatory network.
• Mechanistic, quantitative systems modeling is essential for predicting the effects of modifications on crop traits.
• A systems-level approach is necessary for transformative advancements in crop water-use efficiency and agricultural sustainability.