Components of functional-structural tree models

Abstract

We analyze functional-structural tree models (FMSs) that are an outgrowth of developments in process-based models (PBMs) on the one hand, and morphological models on the other. Existing morphological and functional-structural models are briefly reviewed. We introduce the idealized elementary unit (IEU) that can be used as the basic component of a FSM, and pinpoint the processes that have to be accounted for. The distribution of metabolites and growth is identified as one of the main focal points to be investigated in conjunction with FSMs, and the different approaches that can be applied in constructing the model component for this process are presented. Finally, we analyze the computational requirements of FSMs, discuss the challenges they pose, and assess their applicability in a number of different tasks.