Work

An in-depth study of the dynamics of Thornley’s mathematical model in plant biology with a view to an improved model

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Plants are essential for life on Earth, serving as a major source of food supply and contributing to the planet’s carbon balance. Mathematical modelling is an important mechanism for predicting and optimising plant growth in agriculture, and Thornley’s mathematical model (Thornley, 1997) is one of the most widely used models describing carbon and nitrogen allocation in plants. However, a formal mathematical analysis of the model’s behaviour has not been performed. Our analysis of the model provides new insights into how and why the model can be inappropriate. By varying the values of some model parameters, we identify non-physical and even quite chaotic behaviour. In response, we modify Thornley’s model by including additional litter terms, resulting in the elimination of these non-physical behaviours. • An in-depth exploration of the variety of dynamical behaviours exhibited by Thornley’s model of carbon/nitrogen allocation in plants. • Mathematical analysis reveals how the model’s parameters act together to define some of its behaviours. • Modification of Thornley’s model by adding extra litter terms results in a more appropriate model for future physiological studies. • Extensive simulations.

Source: Journal of Theoretical Biology

DOI: 10.1016/j.jtbi.2025.112071

Authors: Ati Rostami, Brodie A.J. Lawson, Kevin Burrage

Institutions: Queensland University of Technology, ARC Centre of Excellence for Plant Success in Nature and Agriculture, University of Oxford

Language: English

Topic: Greenhouse Technology and Climate Control

Subfield: Plant Science

Field: Agricultural and Biological Sciences

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Zero hunger

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $2,550