• 2.7.1: Events
• 2.7.2: Reports
• 2.7.4: Newsletter

Modeling the development and the operation of plants at various scales (from gene networks to the whole plant, through the cell or an organ) is an important approach in plant biology. Pluri-disciplinary, modeling is at the interface between biology, applied mathematics and computer sciences.

In order to create a platform for exchange between these various disciplines and to support the structuring of an emerging community around plant modeling in Montpellier, a seminar series on this theme is being organized every first Friday of each month by the Joint Research Unit LEPSE, DAP and DIAPC. Moreover, a scientific workshop on a particular topic will be organized each year on the first Friday of March.

Among the topics to be covered by the seminar series include:

• Mechanical model of development and operations
• Models, techniques and algorithms necessary for the acquisition organization and analysis of biological data

The first of the series of seminars is entitled "Which architecture for optimal water capture? Model-assisted integration of genetic and environmental constraints" and will start at 11 AM on 07 November (Friday) at the Louis Malassis Amphitheater, Agropolis International (Montpellier).

Guest speaker Dr. Xavier Draye, University of Louvain-la Neuve

Seminar overview Increasing attention is being paid to root system architecture in drought tolerance and genetics. However, research results from the last 10 years cast some doubts on the impact that root modifications can bring. This might result from the fact that we have not been considering the role of root architecture in an appropriate manner. We have indeed focused on genetic constraints (by means of QTL analysis for example), and often avoided environmental constraints which can generate GxE interactions.

Organizers/Contact

Christine Granier (INRA, LEPSE)- granier@supagro.inra.fr

Yann Guédon (CIRAD, DAP & INRIA, Virtual Plants) - guedon@cirad.fr

Laurent Laplaze (IRD, DIAPC) - laurent.laplaze@ird.fr

Should you have a suggested topic or a speaker, do not hesitate to contact the seminar organizers.