Phloem anatomy restricts root system architecture development: theoretical clues from <i>in silico</i> experiments

Abstract Plant growth and development involve the integration of numerous processes, influenced by both endogenous exogenous factors. At any given time during a plant’s life cycle, plant architecture is readout this continuous integration. However, untangling individual factors processes involved in quantifying their influence on developmental process experimentally challenging. Here we used combination computational models (CPlantBox PiafMunch) to help understand experimental findings about how local phloem anatomical features root system architecture. Our hypothesis was that strong resistance would restrict carbon flow locally modify patterns. To test hypothesis, simulated mutual interplay between carbohydrate distribution provide plausible mechanistic explanation for several results. silico experiments highlighted hydraulics rates, duration final length. The model result showed higher resistivity leads shorter roots due reduced within system. This effect properties roots, not linked pleiotropic effects at level. results open door better representation model.