Modular multi-scale 3D physiological model for simulating whole plant life cycle
A modular, graph-based functional-structural plant model (FSPM) that creates 3D digital twins of crops, integrating physiology, morphology, and environmental interactions across the full growth cycle. Enables -omics data integration and predictive simulation of water, light, and nutrient dynamics for multiple species and cultivars.
Overview
This offering is a modular, multi-scale 3D physiological modeling platform designed to simulate the complete life cycle of plants as digital twins. Built on functional-structural plant models (FSPMs), it integrates plant physiology, morphology, and environmental interactions in a fully three-dimensional framework. The platform's modular architecture allows seamless adaptation across different plant species by adjusting morphological parameters while reusing core components such as photosynthesis and water transport modules.
The technology addresses a critical need in computational biology and agricultural research: the ability to predict how genetic, metabolic, and environmental factors propagate through a plant's growth cycle. By expressing -omics data impacts in terms of architectural and physiological parameters, the model enables researchers and industry partners to evaluate crop performance under diverse conditions before committing to costly field trials.
Technical specifications
Key capabilities:
- Modular, graph-based architecture enabling species-specific adaptation with reusable internal components
- 3D simulation of metabolite concentrations, carbon assimilation, water status, and morphological development
- Integration of -omics data through mechanistic physiological and architectural parameters
- Proven application across Glycine max, Brassica napus, and Triticum aestivum (soybean, rapeseed, wheat)
- Simulation of resource interactions including water availability, light intensity, photoperiod, temperature, and nutrient levels
- Graphical user interface for intuitive multispecies and cultivar ensemble management
- Validation incorporating both destructive and non-invasive measurement methods (leaf thickness, sap flow, stem diameter, photosynthesis, transpiration, water potential)
Technology readiness level
The underlying FSPM components have been validated across multiple plant species in both outdoor and controlled environments, demonstrating reliable simulation of growth and development under varying nutrient, light, and temperature conditions. The current effort aims to integrate existing models into a unified multispecies digital twin with a user-friendly graphical interface, with a planned one-year proof-of-concept validation across two species and two distinct lines under varied environmental conditions. The research team is actively seeking partnerships for metabolite pathway analysis support, growth chamber access, experimental chemicals, and personnel funding to advance the platform toward broader species and environment coverage.
About Ghent University
Ghent University is a comprehensive public research university with a strong applied research and innovation culture. Industry collaborates through the Tech Lane Ghent Science Park, where corporate R&D, public research institutes and UGent labs are co‑located, and via a second science park in Ostend. Integration with Ghent University Hospital enables clinical translation and access to patient care environments. Research is backed by competitive European programmes such as Horizon Europe and the ERC, alongside national and regional support from FWO and VLAIO. UGent’s TechTransfer office, working with an Industrial Liaison Network and a central EU funding team, supports IP, licensing, spin‑offs and contract research to accelerate partnerships.
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