SP6: Integration der Genetik in Pflanzenwachstumsmodelle zum Verständnis der Genotyp-Reaktion auf kombinierte (abiotische + biotische) Stressfaktoren und Synthese von Modellierungen

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, model sensitivity analysis, QTL-to-parameter mapping, and multi-environment calibration/validation using 12 commercial maize hybrids (6 tropical, 6 temperate) grown across the Research Unit’s Central Experiment.

Flowchart illustrating carbon allocation in a maize plant, showing pathways from photosynthesis to respiration, storage, root exudates, and interactions with herbivores, pathogens, and soil processes—key aspects for food security and ecophysiology.
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 parameterization 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 thereby provides the integrative synthesis framework connecting all subprojects of the Research Unit.

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

Mugarura, PhD

TROPAGS

Adera, PhD

Plant Pathology

PhD

TROPAGS

Schnellnavigation → MultiStress Forschungsverbund

Entdecken Sie das zentrale Projekt, das Koordinationsprojekt und 6 Teilprojekte

Mitglieder
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ZP – Zentrales Projekt

Experimente, Daten-Hub und Synthese von Erkenntnissen

Über ZP lesen
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

Auswirkungen von Stress-Genotyp-Interaktionen auf die ober- und unterirdische Kohlenstoffallokation, die Nährstoffnutzungseffizienz und Prozesse in der Wurzeltiefe

Informieren Sie sich über 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

Untersuchung der physiologischen, biochemischen und molekularen Reaktionen von Mais auf gleichzeitige biotische und abiotische Stressfaktoren

Lesen Sie über 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

Molekulare Anpassung an kontrastierende Stressregime

Lesen Sie über SP3
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SP4

Kombinierte Auswirkungen von Maiszünsler und abiotischen Stressfaktoren auf kommerzielle Maishybriden

Lesen Sie über 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

Kombinierte Effekte von Setosphaeria turcica und abiotischen Stressfaktoren auf
Maissorten

Lesen Sie mehr über SP5
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SP6

Integration der Genetik in Pflanzenwachstumsmodelle zum Verständnis der Genotyp-Reaktion auf kombinierte (abiotische + biotische) Stressfaktoren und Synthese von Modellierungen

Lesen Sie mehr über SP6
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COP – Koordinationsprojekt

Strategie, Verbreitung und Kapazitätsaufbau

Lesen Sie über 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".