A quantitative method for branching morphology of soybeans and its visualization based on L-system

Abstract

Branching morphology is a crucial factor in phenotype of soybeans and the primary tissue to transport nutrients. After the acquirement of an empirical model and distribution interval for soybeans height by nonlinear regression analysis, we, guided by the pipe model theory, quantified the main stem, branch and internode of soybeans using the taper stem equation and S-curve equation. A novel L-system was finally proposed to construct the branching form by means of the numerical nomenclature coding system and the visual simulation was performed. This technique expanded the application fields of L-systems and offered an innovative computational thinking and pattern in the research and application of the best soybeans plant type design and prediction of soybeans yield, etc. © 2013 Asian Network for Scientific Information.