SP6: Integrating Genetics into Crop Growth Models to Understand Genotype Response to Combined (Abiotic + Biotic) Stresses & Synthesis of Modelling

SP6 develops a novel process-based crop model — the MultiStress model — that simulates how different maize genotypes perform under combined abiotic and biotic stresses. By linking genetic information (QTLs) to ecophysiological model parameters, SP6 bridges the gap between genomics and field-scale crop prediction, enabling in silico evaluation of genotype × environment interactions under climate change.

Project description

Main research questions:
SP6 addresses the central question: How can genetic information be integrated into crop growth models to predict genotype-specific responses to combined abiotic (drought, nitrogen deficiency) and biotic (stem borer herbivory, Setosphaeria turcica foliar disease) stresses in maize? Starting from the  base crop model SSM-iCrop, SP6 builds a new MultiStress crop model by incorporating biotic stress routines developed in SP4 and SP5, and linking QTL data from SP3 to ecophysiological crop parameters.

Methods applied:
Process-based crop simulation modelling, sensitivity analysis of the model, QTL-to-parameter mapping, and multi-environment calibration/validation using 12 commercial maize hybrids (6 tropical, 6 temperate) grown across the Research Unit’s (RU’s) Central Experiment.

Flowchart depicting a generic crop growth model with inputs, parameters, processes, and outputs for predicting yield and related traits using physiological and environmental data.
Schematic of the envisaged new MultiStress crop model | Hoffmann/Köster 2026

Expected outcomes:

  • A validated modelling platform that simulates yield under multiple interacting stressors,
  • demonstrated proof-of-concept for QTL-informed parameterisation beyond phenology,
  • simulation-based testing of the RU’s core hypotheses on non-additive stress interactions and impact severity differences between tropical and temperate environments, and
  • ex ante identification of promising genetic trait combinations and environmental stress scenarios to guide the experimental design of the RU’s Phase 2.
  • SP6 thus provides the integrative synthesis framework that connects all subprojects of the RU.

Research Team SP6: Synthesis modelling & integration of genetics 

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Prof. Rötter, PI

TROPAGS

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Dr. Hoffmann, PI

TROPAGS

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Prof. Siebert, PI

Agronomy

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Prof. Confalonieri, CoPa

UNIMI

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Dr. Paleari, CoPa

UNIMI

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Dr. Tesfaye, CoPa

AGRA

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Dr. Fasil, CoPa

CIMMYT

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Dr. Magwanga, CoPa

JOOUST

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Bayatian, PhD

Agronomy

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Mugarura, PhD

TROPAGS

Adera, PhD

Plant Pathology

PhD

TROPAGS

Quick Navigation → MultiStress Research Unit

Discover the central project, coordination project & 6 subprojects

Members
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ZP – Central Project

Experimentation, data hub and synthesis of findings

Read about ZP
Microscopic view of a plant root with thin, branching root hairs against a light pink background, highlighting structures crucial to ecophysiology and Multi-Stress Research.

SP1

Effect of stress by genotype interactions on above- and belowground carbon allocation, nutrient use efficiency and root-zone processes

Read about SP1
A potted maize plant is positioned in front of a black backdrop, with a camera on a tripod set up to photograph it in a glasshouse for ecophysiology research.

SP2

Investigating the physiological, biochemical, and molecular responses of maize to concurrent biotic and abiotic stresses

Read ABout SP2
Several potted maize plants growing in a controlled environment chamber with green trays and reflective metal walls, supporting MultiStress Research and crop modelling studies.

SP3

Molecular adaptation to contrasting stress regimes

Read about SP3
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SP4

Combined effects of stem borers and abiotic stresses on maize commercial hybrids

Read ABout SP4
Close-up of a maize leaf with brown streaks and discolouration, indicating signs of disease or stress—valuable insight for MultiStress Research and climate-resilient agriculture—with other maize plants and a clear sky in the background.

SP5

Combined effects of Setosphaeria turcica and abiotic stresses on
maize genotypes

Read about SP5
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SP6

Integrating genetics into crop growth models to understand genotype response to combined (abiotic + biotic) stresses & synthesis of modelling

Read ABout SP6
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COP – Coordination Project

Strategy, dissemination, and capacity building

Read ABout COP
  • AGRA logo with a green and yellow circular design and the text "AGRA Sustainably Growing Africa's Food Systems" on a white background, highlighting its commitment to climate-resilient agriculture.
  • CIMMYT logo featuring green icons of maize and wheat, with text reading "International Maize and Wheat Improvement Centre," highlighting advances in Maize Ecophysiology and Multi-Stress Research.
  • Logo of Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen with the university name in red text and a stylised red tree on the right, symbolising its commitment to MultiStress Research and Climate-Resilient Agriculture.
  • Logo of Georg-August-Universität Göttingen featuring stylised blue letters "GA" and the motto "In publica commoda seit 1737," reflecting its commitment to advancing research in climate-resilient agriculture and food security.
  • IPK Leibniz Institute logo featuring a stylised green plant on a green square background with "IPK" and "LEIBNIZ-INSTITUT" in bold green text, reflecting its focus on ecophysiology and climate-resilient agriculture.
  • Blue geometric logo featuring the letters "TUM" in a bold, angular typeface on a white background, representing pioneering work in Ecophysiology and Multi-Stress Research.
  • Logo of the University of Milan featuring a classical figure holding a staff inside a circular seal, with the university name in Italian to the right—symbolising its dedication to Maize Ecophysiology and MultiStress Research.
  • Universität zu Köln logo featuring a circular university seal with figures and text on the left, and the university name in blue capital letters on the right—reflecting excellence in fields like Climate-Resilient Agriculture and Multi-Stress Research.
  • Logo of Universität Hohenheim featuring a line drawing of a domed building with "1818" below, next to the university name in blue capital letters—a symbol of leading research in Crop Modelling and climate-resilient agriculture.
  • A shield-shaped crest divided into four sections with symbols representing climate-resilient agriculture, flanked by green branches, and a yellow banner below displaying the words "Oasis of Knowledge".