Multi-scale modelling to synergise Plant Systems Biology and Crop Science

At the interface of the plant systems biology and crop modelling communities, a recurring theme is the construction of an in silico plant that links across many levels of biological organisation. These disciplines are not mutually exclusive; each has some elements of the other and they have an overlapping goal in understanding and assisting crop improvement. Therefore, we believe that synergies can be gained through knowledge exchange between the two. Several modelling frameworks could support this aspiration. Our recent work on a multiscale Arabidopsis Framework Model (FM) combined concepts from both systems biology and crop modelling. We use the FM as a starting point to explore the potential benefits and challenges of applying and extending such cross-disciplinary tools.