Modelling Crop Improvement in a G×E×M Framework via Gene–Trait–Phenotype Relationships

This chapter introduces fundamental concepts of modeling natural systems using a G×E×M framework and discusses the prospects for an integrated approach for improving crop performance that tackles the G×E×M interactions holistically. It outlines general principles of modeling biophysical systems, including a description of fundamental components of crop models. It describes G×E×M systems and introduces gene-to-phenotype (GP) models and concepts of adaptation landscapes as applied to plant breeding. The chapter discusses the application of the framework by studying genetic improvement of maize in the US Corn Belt. It reviews and summarizes theoretical developments toward a framework that integrates quantitative genetics, breeding simulation, and modeling of physiological traits and dynamic GP relations. Such a framework is intended to enable breeders and agronomists to project trajectories in the G×E×M space into the future and gain insights on the consequences of manipulating genomes to the creation of improved crops for target management and environments.