Linking dynamic photosynthetic traits to biomass: a functional data framework that pinpoints when photosynthesis limits growth

Genotype-specific chlorophyll fluorescence trajectories in Arabidopsis thaliana MAGIC lines predict final dry weight with average r = 0.7224 under sinusoidal and 0.82 under fluctuating light.

• Why it matters: Photosynthetic performance shifts quickly with light, and linking time-resolved, genotype-dependent fluorescence to biomass is needed to identify when photosynthesis limits growth.
• What they did: The authors modeled fluorescence time series using splines plus functional principal component analysis (FPCA) to derive genotype-specific trajectory components, then related component scores and time-varying trait–biomass associations to final dry weight in 412 lines.
• The result: Component scores predicted biomass reasonably well, and time-varying coefficients showed trait–dry weight associations were strongest early in the growing period, with the most predictive value when measurements covered only a few days.

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