The quest for time in plant physiology: a processual perspective

Abstract

We commence our discussion by asserting that Plant Physiology is fundamentally focused on comprehending the evolutionary and adaptive processes of plants over time. Despite its intuitive association with the temporal dimension, the field has traditionally been underpinned by methods that largely overlook the temporal element. Even in this era of advanced scientific techniques, many studies in plant science continue to employ methods that are essentially “timeless”. Therefore, our comprehension of plant processes “across time” tends to be fragmented. Instead of observing a continuous, real-time progression, we aggregate averaged measurements from various samples collected at discrete time points. This approach provides insights into the temporal aspects of biological processes, analogous to snapshots extracted from a movie, but it falls short of capturing the full dynamism of these processes. The understanding of these temporal aspects holds paramount significance in the realm of plant biology, as plants, by their inherent nature, represent intricate systems. Consequently, the concept of time assumes pivotal importance, and the present article elucidates a spectrum of philosophical perspectives and scientific interpretations of time. Comprehending the diverse facets of time is indispensable within the domain of plant physiology. It serves as a gateway to a more comprehensive and dynamic exploration of plant processes. This amalgamation of philosophy and science enables us to perceive plant biology as a continuum of processes unfolding over time, accentuating the interconnectedness of internal and external events. In this context, we assert that Processual Philosophy provides a suitable and reliable foundation for the development of Plant Physiology as a science dedicated to the temporal dimensions of plant life.