scholarly journals Interspecific interactions regulate plant reproductive allometry in cereal-legume intercropping systems

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Noémie Gaudio ◽  
Cyrille Violle ◽  
Xavier Gendre ◽  
Florian Fort ◽  
Rémi Mahmoud ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Western Europe ◽  
Interspecific Interactions ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Ecological Theory ◽  
Resource Limitation ◽  
Single Species ◽  
Plant Size ◽  
Plant Interactions ◽  
Crop Species ◽  
Plant Plant

Calls for ecological principles in agriculture have gained momentum. Intercropping systems have long been designed by growing two, or more, annual crop species in the same field, aiming for a better resource use efficiency. However, assembly rules for their design are lacking. Notably, it is still unknown whether species performances are maximized during both the vegetative and reproductive phases given the sensitivity of reproductive allocation rules to resource limitation. Interestingly, ecological theory provides expectations regarding putative invariance of plant reproductive allometry (PRA) under non-limiting conditions for plant growth. Here we examined whether and how PRA changes in response to plant-plant interactions in intercropping systems, which can inform both ecological theory and the understanding of the functioning of intercropping systems. We analyzed a dataset of 28 field cereal-legume intercropping trials from various climatic and management conditions across Western Europe. PRA was quantified in both mixing and single-species situations. PRA was positively impacted in specific management conditions, leading to a greater increase in yield for a given increase in plant size. Variations in PRA were more beneficial for legumes grown in unfertilized mixture, which explains their use as a key component in actual intercrop systems. The response for cereals was similar but less pronounced in magnitude, and was greater under limiting resource conditions. Focusing on intercropping conditions, hierarchical competition (indicated by biomass difference between intercropped species) appears as a strong driver of the reproductive output of a given species. Synthesis and applications. PRA behaves in crop species in the same way as it does in wild species. However, contrary to theoretical expectations about an overall invariance of PRA, our meta-analysis highlighted taxon-specific and context-dependent effects of plant-plant interactions on PRA. This systematic deviation to PRA expectations could be leveraged to cultivate each species up to its reproductive optimum while accounting for the performance of the other, whether the farmer's objective is to favor one species or reach an equilibrium in seed production. In turn, such a dialog between agronomy and ecology is a unique opportunity to challenge the validity domain and robustness of major ecological laws.

Ecological field theory model: a mechanistic approach to simulate plant–plant interactions in southeastern forest ecosystems

1993 ◽  
Vol 23 (10) ◽  
pp. 2180-2193 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pu Mou ◽  
Robert J. Mitchell ◽  
Robert H. Jones
Keyword(s):  
Field Theory ◽  
Loblolly Pine ◽  
Vegetation Dynamics ◽  
Plant Size ◽  
Theory Model ◽  
Plant Interactions ◽  
Simulation Accuracy ◽  
Individual Level ◽  
The Individual ◽  
Plant Plant

Ecological field theory, unlike many other vegetation modeling approaches, provides a basis to construct an individually based, spatially explicit, and resource-mediated model for mechanistic simulation of plant–plant interactions and vegetation dynamics. The model REGROW has been developed, based on ecological field theory principles, to simulate vegetation dynamics for northern hardwood forests. Using data from a current study of a southern pine system to calibrate a modified version of this model, SPGROW, we simulated growth of individuals for the first growing season in stands of loblolly pine (Pinustaeda L.) and sweetgum (Liquidambarstyraciflua L.) seedlings and loblolly pine seedling–sweetgum sprout mixtures. SPGROW accurately simulated stand development at population and stand levels. However, less agreement occurred at the individual level between simulated and field survey values, possibly owing to lack of data on site heterogeneity and genetic variation. Plant interactions, which altered resource availability (light, water, and nutrients) to individual plants, played a major role in differentiating plant size in the model. Given its unique model structure and simulation accuracy, SPGROW has the potential to provide very detailed insight into the mechanisms of plant–plant interactions.

scholarly journals Root traits with team benefits: understanding belowground interactions in intercropping systems

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Z. Homulle ◽  
T. S. George ◽  
A. J. Karley
Keyword(s):  
Crop Improvement ◽  
Root Traits ◽  
Niche Differentiation ◽  
Weed Suppression ◽  
Current Evidence ◽  
Plant Interactions ◽  
Crop Species ◽  
Belowground Interactions ◽  
Potential Benefits ◽  
Plant Plant

Abstract Background The potential benefits of intercropping are manifold and have been repeatedly demonstrated. Intercropping has the potential to create more productive and resilient agroecosystems, by improving land utilisation, yield and yield stability, soil quality, and pest, disease and weed suppression. Despite these potential benefits, significant gaps remain in the understanding of ecological mechanisms that govern the outcomes when crop species are grown together. A major part of plant-plant interactions takes place belowground and these are often overlooked. Scope This review synthesises current evidence for belowground plant-plant interactions of competition, niche differentiation and facilitation, with the aim of identifying root traits that influence the processes contributing to enhanced performance of intercrops compared with monocultures. We identify a suite of potentially complementary root traits for maximising the benefits of intercropping. These traits underpin improved soil exploration, more efficient resource use, and suppression of soil-borne pathogens and pests in intercrops. Conclusion This review brings together understanding of the mechanisms underpinning interactions between intercropped roots, and how root traits and their plasticity can promote positive outcomes. Root trait ‘ideotypes’ for intercropped partners are identified that could be selected for crop improvement. We highlight the importance of examining belowground interactions and consider both spatial and temporal distribution of roots and rhizosphere mechanisms that aid complementarity through niche differentiation and facilitation. Breeding of crop ideotypes with specific beneficial root traits, combined with considerations for optimal spatio-temporal arrangement and ratios of component crops, are essential next steps to promote the adoption of intercropping as a sustainable farming practice.

Relationship between total plasma homocysteine and the risk of aneurysms – a meta-analysis

VASA ◽  
2020 ◽  
pp. 1-6
Author(s):  
Hanji Zhang ◽  
Dexin Yin ◽  
Yue Zhao ◽  
Yezhou Li ◽  
Dejiang Yao ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Single Species ◽  
Total Plasma ◽  
Control Groups ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Randomized Controlled Studies ◽  
The Difference ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Healthy Participants

Summary: Our meta-analysis focused on the relationship between homocysteine (Hcy) level and the incidence of aneurysms and looked at the relationship between smoking, hypertension and aneurysms. A systematic literature search of Pubmed, Web of Science, and Embase databases (up to March 31, 2020) resulted in the identification of 19 studies, including 2,629 aneurysm patients and 6,497 healthy participants. Combined analysis of the included studies showed that number of smoking, hypertension and hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy) in aneurysm patients was higher than that in the control groups, and the total plasma Hcy level in aneurysm patients was also higher. These findings suggest that smoking, hypertension and HHcy may be risk factors for the development and progression of aneurysms. Although the heterogeneity of meta-analysis was significant, it was found that the heterogeneity might come from the difference between race and disease species through subgroup analysis. Large-scale randomized controlled studies of single species and single disease species are needed in the future to supplement the accuracy of the results.

ALLELOPATHIC EFFECTS OF PARTHENIUM HYSTEROPHORUS ON GERMINATION OF SORGHUM SEEDS

2018 ◽  
Vol 6 (26) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jitendra Rajpoot
Keyword(s):  
Biological System ◽  
Growth And Development ◽  
Plant Virus ◽  
Evolutionary Origin ◽  
Plant Interactions ◽  
Biological Organization ◽  
Plant Soil ◽  
System A ◽  
Allelopathic Effects ◽  
Plant Plant

International Allelopathy Society has redefined Allelopathy as any process involving secondary metabolities produced by plants, algae, bacteria, fungi and viruses that influences the growth and development of agricultural and biological system; a study of the functions of secondary metabolities, their significance in biological organization, their evolutionary origin and elucidation of the mechanisms involving plant-plant, plant-microorganisms, plant-virus, plant-insect, plant-soil-plant interactions.

scholarly journals Disentangling transcriptional responses in plant defense against arthropod herbivores

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Alejandro Garcia ◽  
M. Estrella Santamaria ◽  
Isabel Diaz ◽  
Manuel Martinez
Keyword(s):  
Regulatory Networks ◽  
Pieris Rapae ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Plant Response ◽  
Plant Responses ◽  
Transcriptional Responses ◽  
Crop Species ◽  
Physiological Processes ◽  
Meta Analyses ◽  
Plant Herbivore

AbstractThe success in the response of a plant to a pest depends on the regulatory networks that connect plant perception and plant response. Meta-analyses of transcriptomic responses are valuable tools to discover novel mechanisms in the plant/herbivore interplay. Considering the quantity and quality of available transcriptomic analyses, Arabidopsis thaliana was selected to test the ability of comprehensive meta-analyses to disentangle plant responses. The analysis of the transcriptomic data showed a general induction of biological processes commonly associated with the response to herbivory, like jasmonate signaling or glucosinolate biosynthesis. However, an uneven induction of many genes belonging to these biological categories was found, which was likely associated with the particularities of each specific Arabidopsis-herbivore interaction. A thorough analysis of the responses to the lepidopteran Pieris rapae and the spider mite Tetranychus urticae highlighted specificities in the perception and signaling pathways associated with the expression of receptors and transcription factors. This information was translated to a variable alteration of secondary metabolic pathways. In conclusion, transcriptomic meta-analysis has been revealed as a potent way to sort out relevant physiological processes in the plant response to herbivores. Translation of these transcriptomic-based analyses to crop species will permit a more appropriate design of biotechnological programs.

scholarly journals Competition-free gaps are essential for the germination and recruitment of alpine species along an elevation gradient in the European Alps

Alpine Botany ◽  
2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vera Margreiter ◽  
Janette Walde ◽  
Brigitta Erschbamer
Keyword(s):  
Vegetation Cover ◽  
Seedling Recruitment ◽  
Environmental Control ◽  
Elevation Gradient ◽  
European Alps ◽  
Plant Interactions ◽  
Experimental Conditions ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Seed Sowing ◽  
Plant Plant

AbstractSeed germination and seedling recruitment are key processes in the life cycle of plants. They enable populations to grow, migrate, or persist. Both processes are under environmental control and influenced by site conditions and plant–plant interactions. Here, we present the results of a seed-sowing experiment performed along an elevation gradient (2000–2900 m a.s.l.) in the European eastern Alps. We monitored the germination of seeds and seedling recruitment for 2 years. Three effects were investigated: effects of sites and home sites (seed origin), effects of gaps, and plant–plant interactions. Seeds of eight species originating from two home sites were transplanted to four sites (home site and ± in elevation). Seed sowing was performed in experimentally created gaps. These gap types (‘gap + roots’, ‘neighbor + roots’, and ‘no-comp’) provided different plant–plant interactions and competition intensities. We observed decreasing germination with increasing elevation, independent of the species home sites. Competition-released gaps favored recruitment, pointing out the important role of belowground competition and soil components in recruitment. In gaps with one neighboring species, neutral plant–plant interactions occurred (with one exception). However, considering the relative vegetation cover of each experimental site, high vegetation cover resulted in positive effects on recruitment at higher sites and neutral effects at lower sites. All tested species showed intraspecific variability when responding to the experimental conditions. We discuss our findings considering novel site and climatic conditions.

scholarly journals Trichoderma Strains and Metabolites Selectively Increase the Production of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) in Olive Trees

Metabolites ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 213
Author(s):  
Irene Dini ◽  
Roberta Marra ◽  
Pierpaolo Cavallo ◽  
Angela Pironti ◽  
Immacolata Sepe ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Volatile Organic Compounds ◽  
Organic Compounds ◽  
Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry ◽  
Lipid Signaling ◽  
Plant Interactions ◽  
Growth Promoters ◽  
Volatile Organic ◽  
Trichoderma Fungi ◽  
Olive Trees ◽  
Plant Plant

Plants emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that induce metabolomic, transcriptomic, and behavioral reactions in receiver organisms, including insect pollinators and herbivores. VOCs’ composition and concentration may influence plant-insect or plant-plant interactions and affect soil microbes that may interfere in plant-plant communication. Many Trichoderma fungi act as biocontrol agents of phytopathogens and plant growth promoters. Moreover, they can stimulate plant defense mechanisms against insect pests. This study evaluated VOCs’ emission by olive trees (Olea europaea L.) when selected Trichoderma fungi or metabolites were used as soil treatments. Trichoderma harzianum strains M10, T22, and TH1, T. asperellum strain KV906, T. virens strain GV41, and their secondary metabolites harzianic acid (HA), and 6-pentyl-α-pyrone (6PP) were applied to olive trees. Charcoal cartridges were employed to adsorb olive VOCs, and gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis allowed their identification and quantification. A total of 45 volatile compounds were detected, and among these, twenty-five represented environmental pollutants and nineteen compounds were related to olive plant emission. Trichoderma strains and metabolites differentially enhanced VOCs production, affecting three biosynthetic pathways: methylerythritol 1-phosphate (MEP), lipid-signaling, and shikimate pathways. Multivariate analysis models showed a characteristic fingerprint of each plant-fungus/metabolite relationship, reflecting a different emission of VOCs by the treated plants. Specifically, strain M10 and the metabolites 6PP and HA enhanced the monoterpene syntheses by controlling the MEP pathway. Strains GV41, KV906, and the metabolite HA stimulated the hydrocarbon aldehyde formation (nonanal) by regulating the lipid-signaling pathway. Finally, Trichoderma strains GV41, M10, T22, TH1, and the metabolites HA and 6PP improve aromatic syntheses at different steps of the shikimate pathway.

Neotypification of the Linnaean name Iris aphylla (Iridaceae)

Phytotaxa ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 273 (2) ◽  
pp. 141 ◽  
Author(s):  
EUGENY V. BOLTENKOV
Keyword(s):  
Chromosome Number ◽  
Western Europe ◽  
Genetic Data ◽  
Single Species ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
European Russia ◽  
European Countries ◽  
Forest Edges ◽  
Variable Species ◽  
Open Forests

Iris aphylla Linnaeus (1753: 38) (Iridaceae) is a highly variable species from the morphological point of view, especially in the height of stem, stem branching, size of leaves, and color of flowers. Moreover, it can be found in different habitats. In the Middle-Russian Upland, this plant is mostly associated with meadow steppes on slopes and, rarely, with edges of shrub thickets; also occurs along forest edges and in open forests, where blooming plants are rare (Kazakova et al. 2015). It is native to Central, Eastern, and some parts of Western Europe. The species is widespread in the Ukraine and mainly in the south of middle European Russia, while in the European countries its populations are sparser. Iris aphylla is of autotetraploid origin (Mitra 1956); plants with the chromosome number 2n = 48 are found more frequently in Europe (Wróblewska et al. 2010). Its numerous synonyms, including four subspecies, indicate the variability of this species. The genetic data confirm the conclusion that the subspecies of I. aphylla should be regarded as a single species (Wróblewska et al. 2010). According to my best knowledge (see also Jarvis 2007) the name I. aphylla is still lacking typification.

Mycorrhizosphere bacteria and plant-plant interactions facilitate maize P acquisition in an intercropping system

2021 ◽  
pp. 127993
Author(s):  
Chun Song ◽  
Clement Kyei Sarpong ◽  
Xiaofeng Zhang ◽  
Wenjing Wang ◽  
Lingfeng Wang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Plant Interactions ◽  
P Acquisition ◽  
Plant Plant
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