SIMULATING SOURCE AND SINK CONTROL OF STRUCTURAL GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT AND SUGAR ACCUMULATION IN SUGARCANE
Crop simulation modelling can assist plant breeding by simulating the contribution of subtraits such as leaf elongation rate to complex traits such as sucrose yield and by simulating realistic interactions between the genetic traits and environmental factors. In the current Canegro sugarcane model, while canopy area development is a major component of carbon availability (source) through photosynthesis, leaf area and leaf dry mass as a sink for carbon are not linked. Also, carbon partitioning is largely unresponsive to changing demand of structural sinks for carbon. This study aimed at linking photosynthesis and canopy development via a conservative carbon balance based on source-sink principles. New model concepts and a preliminary evaluation of model behaviour are briefly described in this communication.
SUBTITLE: SHIPPERS CAN LOOK FORWARD TO CONTINUING CAPACITY CONSTRAINTS AND PRICE INCREASES FOR THIS YEAR AND BEYOND. THE SOLUTION? TRY EVERYTHING, INCLUDING REDESIGNING YOUR SUPPLY-CHAIN NETWORK.