Three-dimensional Model Simulating Development and Growth of Cotton Root System

A model was developed to simulate the morphogenesis, biomass partitioning and spatial distribution of cotton root system. The topological structure of root system was developed based on principle and method of functional-structural plant model of GREENLAB and basic root unit determined according to the characteristics of cotton root system. The biomass partitioning was performed based on the topological structure using the sink strength which describes the abilities of basic unit roots to compete for biomass in whole root system level. The geometrical dimension was calculated using allometrical rules among biomass and root length and volumes of root individual. The spatial extendation was simulated by the root growth rules in 3D spatial domain and spatial distribution was carried out using Voxel technique. Using data from literature and user-defined parameters, the model was parameterized, and the individual axial and radial growth was simulated.