1
|
O’Sullivan H, Raumonen P, Kaitaniemi P, Perttunen J, Sievänen R. Integrating terrestrial laser scanning with functional-structural plant models to investigate ecological and evolutionary processes of forest communities. Ann Bot 2021; 128:663-684. [PMID: 34610091 PMCID: PMC8557364 DOI: 10.1093/aob/mcab120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Woody plants (trees and shrubs) play an important role in terrestrial ecosystems, but their size and longevity make them difficult subjects for traditional experiments. In the last 20 years functional-structural plant models (FSPMs) have evolved: they consider the interplay between plant modular structure, the immediate environment and internal functioning. However, computational constraints and data deficiency have long been limiting factors in a broader application of FSPMs, particularly at the scale of forest communities. Recently, terrestrial laser scanning (TLS), has emerged as an invaluable tool for capturing the 3-D structure of forest communities, thus opening up exciting opportunities to explore and predict forest dynamics with FSPMs. SCOPE The potential synergies between TLS-derived data and FSPMs have yet to be fully explored. Here, we summarize recent developments in FSPM and TLS research, with a specific focus on woody plants. We then evaluate the emerging opportunities for applying FSPMs in an ecological and evolutionary context, in light of TLS-derived data, with particular consideration of the challenges posed by scaling up from individual trees to whole forests. Finally, we propose guidelines for incorporating TLS data into the FSPM workflow to encourage overlap of practice amongst researchers. CONCLUSIONS We conclude that TLS is a feasible tool to help shift FSPMs from an individual-level modelling technique to a community-level one. The ability to scan multiple trees, of multiple species, in a short amount of time, is paramount to gathering the detailed structural information required for parameterizing FSPMs for forest communities. Conventional techniques, such as repeated manual forest surveys, have their limitations in explaining the driving mechanisms behind observed patterns in 3-D forest structure and dynamics. Therefore, other techniques are valuable to explore how forests might respond to environmental change. A robust synthesis between TLS and FSPMs provides the opportunity to virtually explore the spatial and temporal dynamics of forest communities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hannah O’Sullivan
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, Silwood Park, Ascot, Berkshire, SL5 7PY, UK
- Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Richmond, UK
| | - Pasi Raumonen
- Mathematics, Tampere University, Korkeakoulunkatu 7, FI-33720 Tampere, Finland
| | - Pekka Kaitaniemi
- Hyytiälä Forestry Field Station, Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry, University of Helsinki, Hyytiäläntie 124, FI-35500 Korkeakoski, Finland
| | - Jari Perttunen
- Natural Resources Institute Finland, Latokartanontie 9, 00790 Helsinki, Finland
| | | |
Collapse
|
2
|
de Vries J, Evers JB, Kuyper TW, van Ruijven J, Mommer L. Mycorrhizal associations change root functionality: a 3D modelling study on competitive interactions between plants for light and nutrients. New Phytol 2021; 231:1171-1182. [PMID: 33930184 PMCID: PMC8361744 DOI: 10.1111/nph.17435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2021] [Accepted: 04/14/2021] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Recent studies show that the variation in root functional traits can be explained by a two-dimensional trait framework, containing a 'collaboration' axis in addition to the classical fast-slow 'conservation' axis. This collaboration axis spans from thin and highly branched roots that employ a 'do-it-yourself' strategy to thick and sparsely branched roots that 'outsource' nutrient uptake to symbiotic arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF). Here, we explore the functionality of this collaboration axis by quantifying how interactions with AMF change the impact of root traits on plant performance. To this end, we developed a novel functional-structural plant (FSP) modelling approach that simulates plants competing for light and nutrients in the presence or absence of AMF. Our simulation results support the notion that in the absence of AMF, plants rely on thin, highly branched roots for their nutrient uptake. The presence of AMF, however, promotes thick, unbranched roots as an alternative strategy for uptake of immobile phosphorus, but not for mobile nitrogen. This provides further support for a root trait framework that accommodates for the interactive effect of roots and AMF. Our modelling study offers unique opportunities to incorporate soil microbial interactions into root functionality as it integrates consequences of belowground trait expression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jorad de Vries
- Centre for Crop System AnalysisWageningen UniversityPO Box 430Wageningen6700 AKthe Netherlands
- Institute for Integrative BiologyETH ZürichZürich8092Switzerland
| | - Jochem B. Evers
- Centre for Crop System AnalysisWageningen UniversityPO Box 430Wageningen6700 AKthe Netherlands
| | - Thomas W. Kuyper
- Soil Biology GroupWageningen UniversityPO Box 47Wageningen6700 AAthe Netherlands
| | - Jasper van Ruijven
- Plant Ecology and Nature Conservation GroupWageningen UniversityPO Box 47Wageningen6700 AAthe Netherlands
| | - Liesje Mommer
- Plant Ecology and Nature Conservation GroupWageningen UniversityPO Box 47Wageningen6700 AAthe Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Postma JA, Hecht VL, Hikosaka K, Nord EA, Pons TL, Poorter H. Dividing the pie: A quantitative review on plant density responses. Plant Cell Environ 2021; 44:1072-1094. [PMID: 33280135 DOI: 10.1111/pce.13968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2020] [Revised: 11/13/2020] [Accepted: 11/15/2020] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Plant population density is an important variable in agronomy and forestry and offers an experimental way to better understand plant-plant competition. We made a meta-analysis of responses of even-aged mono-specific stands to population density by quantifying for 3 stand and 33 individual plant variables in 334 experiments how much both plant biomass and phenotypic traits change with a doubling in density. Increasing density increases standing crop per area, but decreases the mean size of its individuals, mostly through reduced tillering and branching. Among the phenotypic traits, stem diameter is negatively affected, but plant height remains remarkably similar, partly due to an increased stem length-to-mass ratio and partly by increased allocation to stems. The reduction in biomass is caused by a lower photosynthetic rate, mainly due to shading of part of the foliage. Total seed mass per plant is also strongly reduced, marginally by lower mass per seed, but mainly because of lower seed numbers. Plants generally have fewer shoot-born roots, but their overall rooting depth seems hardly affected. The phenotypic plasticity responses to high densities correlate strongly with those to low light, and less with those to low nutrients, suggesting that at high density, shading affects plants more than nutrient depletion.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Johannes A Postma
- Plant Sciences, Forschungszentrum Juelich GmbH, Wilhelm-Johnen Strasse, Juelich, Germany
| | - Vera L Hecht
- Plant Sciences, Forschungszentrum Juelich GmbH, Wilhelm-Johnen Strasse, Juelich, Germany
| | - Kouki Hikosaka
- Laboratory of Functional Ecology, Graduate School of Life Sciences, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Eric A Nord
- Department of Biology and Chemistry, Greenville University, Greenville, Illinois, USA
| | - Thijs L Pons
- Plant Ecophysiology, Institute of Environmental Biology, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Hendrik Poorter
- Plant Sciences, Forschungszentrum Juelich GmbH, Wilhelm-Johnen Strasse, Juelich, Germany
- Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University, North Ryde, New South Wales, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Zhang N, Evers JB, Anten NPR, Marcelis LFM. Turning plant interactions upside down: Light signals from below matter. Plant Cell Environ 2021; 44:1111-1118. [PMID: 32920859 PMCID: PMC8048918 DOI: 10.1111/pce.13886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2020] [Revised: 08/19/2020] [Accepted: 09/08/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Plants grow in dense stands receive light signals of varying strength from all directions. Plant responses to light signals from below should be considered in light‐mediated plant interactions, as their consequences for plant performance differ among ecological and agricultural settings. Where to perceive, how to integrate and what type of responses can be induced by light signals from below are major questions that need to be solved to expand our understanding of light‐mediated plant interactions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ningyi Zhang
- Horticulture and Product Physiology Group, Department of Plant SciencesWageningen UniversityWageningenThe Netherlands
| | - Jochem B. Evers
- Centre for Crop Systems Analysis, Department of Plant SciencesWageningen UniversityWageningenThe Netherlands
| | - Niels P. R. Anten
- Centre for Crop Systems Analysis, Department of Plant SciencesWageningen UniversityWageningenThe Netherlands
| | - Leo F. M. Marcelis
- Horticulture and Product Physiology Group, Department of Plant SciencesWageningen UniversityWageningenThe Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Zhang N, van Westreenen A, He L, Evers JB, Anten NPR, Marcelis LFM. Light from below matters: Quantifying the consequences of responses to far-red light reflected upwards for plant performance in heterogeneous canopies. Plant Cell Environ 2021; 44:102-113. [PMID: 32490539 PMCID: PMC7818183 DOI: 10.1111/pce.13812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2019] [Revised: 05/22/2020] [Accepted: 05/27/2020] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
In vegetation stands, plants receive red to far-red ratio (R:FR) signals of varying strength from all directions. However, plant responses to variations in R:FR reflected from below have been largely ignored despite their potential consequences for plant performance. Using a heterogeneous rose canopy, which consists of bent shoots down in the canopy and vertically growing upright shoots, we quantified upward far-red reflection by bent shoots and its consequences for upright shoot architecture. With a three-dimensional plant model, we assessed consequences of responses to R:FR from below for plant photosynthesis. Bent shoots reflected substantially more far-red than red light, causing reduced R:FR in light reflected upwards. Leaf inclination angles increased in upright shoots which received low R:FR reflected from below. The increased leaf angle led to an increase in simulated plant photosynthesis only when this low R:FR was reflected off their own bent shoots and not when it reflected off neighbour bent shoots. We conclude that plant response to R:FR from below is an under-explored phenomenon which may have contrasting consequences for plant performance depending on the type of vegetation or crop system. The responses are beneficial for performance only when R:FR is reflected by lower foliage of the same plants.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ningyi Zhang
- Horticulture and Product Physiology Group, Department of Plant SciencesWageningen UniversityWageningenThe Netherlands
- Centre for Crop Systems Analysis, Department of Plant SciencesWageningen UniversityWageningenThe Netherlands
| | - Arian van Westreenen
- Horticulture and Product Physiology Group, Department of Plant SciencesWageningen UniversityWageningenThe Netherlands
- Centre for Crop Systems Analysis, Department of Plant SciencesWageningen UniversityWageningenThe Netherlands
| | - Lizhong He
- Horticulture and Product Physiology Group, Department of Plant SciencesWageningen UniversityWageningenThe Netherlands
| | - Jochem B. Evers
- Centre for Crop Systems Analysis, Department of Plant SciencesWageningen UniversityWageningenThe Netherlands
| | - Niels P. R. Anten
- Centre for Crop Systems Analysis, Department of Plant SciencesWageningen UniversityWageningenThe Netherlands
| | - Leo F. M. Marcelis
- Horticulture and Product Physiology Group, Department of Plant SciencesWageningen UniversityWageningenThe Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Zhang N, van Westreenen A, Anten NPR, Evers JB, Marcelis LFM. Disentangling the effects of photosynthetically active radiation and red to far-red ratio on plant photosynthesis under canopy shading: a simulation study using a functional-structural plant model. Ann Bot 2020; 126:635-646. [PMID: 31793625 PMCID: PMC7489061 DOI: 10.1093/aob/mcz197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2019] [Accepted: 12/02/2019] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Shading by an overhead canopy (i.e. canopy shading) entails simultaneous changes in both photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) and red to far-red ratio (R:FR). As plant responses to PAR (e.g. changes in leaf photosynthesis) are different from responses to R:FR (e.g. changes in plant architecture), and these responses occur at both organ and plant levels, understanding plant photosynthesis responses to canopy shading needs separate analysis of responses to reductions in PAR and R:FR at different levels. METHODS In a glasshouse experiment we subjected plants of woody perennial rose (Rosa hybrida) to different light treatments, and so separately quantified the effects of reductions in PAR and R:FR on leaf photosynthetic traits and plant architectural traits. Using a functional-structural plant model, we separately quantified the effects of responses in these traits on plant photosynthesis, and evaluated the relative importance of changes of individual traits for plant photosynthesis under mild and heavy shading caused by virtual overhead canopies. KEY RESULTS Model simulations showed that the individual trait responses to canopy shading could have positive and negative effects on plant photosynthesis. Under mild canopy shading, trait responses to reduced R:FR on photosynthesis were generally negative and with a larger magnitude than effects of responses to reduced PAR. Conversely, under heavy canopy shading, the positive effects of trait responses to reduced PAR became dominant. The combined effects of low-R:FR responses and low-PAR responses on plant photosynthesis were not equal to the sum of the separate effects, indicating interactions between individual trait responses. CONCLUSIONS Our simulation results indicate that under canopy shading, the relative importance of plant responses to PAR and R:FR for plant photosynthesis changes with shade levels. This suggests that the adaptive significance of plant plasticity responses to one shading factor depends on plant responses to the other.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ningyi Zhang
- Horticulture and Product Physiology Group, Department of Plant Sciences, Wageningen University, 6700 AA Wageningen, The Netherlands
- Centre for Crop Systems Analysis, Department of Plant Sciences, Wageningen University, 6700 AK Wageningen, The Netherlands
- For correspondence. E-mail: ,
| | - Arian van Westreenen
- Horticulture and Product Physiology Group, Department of Plant Sciences, Wageningen University, 6700 AA Wageningen, The Netherlands
- Centre for Crop Systems Analysis, Department of Plant Sciences, Wageningen University, 6700 AK Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Niels P R Anten
- Centre for Crop Systems Analysis, Department of Plant Sciences, Wageningen University, 6700 AK Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Jochem B Evers
- Centre for Crop Systems Analysis, Department of Plant Sciences, Wageningen University, 6700 AK Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Leo F M Marcelis
- Horticulture and Product Physiology Group, Department of Plant Sciences, Wageningen University, 6700 AA Wageningen, The Netherlands
- For correspondence. E-mail: ,
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Zhang N, van Westreenen A, Evers JB, Anten NPR, Marcelis LFM. Quantifying the contribution of bent shoots to plant photosynthesis and biomass production of flower shoots in rose (Rosa hybrida) using a functional-structural plant model. Ann Bot 2020; 126:587-599. [PMID: 31549140 PMCID: PMC7489084 DOI: 10.1093/aob/mcz150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2019] [Revised: 04/30/2019] [Accepted: 09/14/2019] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS The success of using bent shoots in cut-rose (Rosa hybrida) production to improve flower shoot quality has been attributed to bent shoots capturing more light and thus providing more assimilates for flower shoot growth. We aimed at quantifying this contribution of photosynthesis by bent shoots to flower shoot growth. METHODS Rose plants were grown with four upright flower shoots and with no, one or three bent shoots per plant. Plant architectural traits, leaf photosynthetic parameters and organ dry weight were measured. A functional-structural plant (FSP) model of rose was used to calculate photosynthesis of upright shoots and bent shoots separately, taking into account the heterogeneous canopy structure of these plants. KEY RESULTS Bent shoots contributed to 43-53 % of total assimilated CO2 by the plant. Plant photosynthesis increased by 73 and 117 % in plants with, respectively, one and three bent shoots compared with plants without bent shoots. Upright shoot photosynthesis was not significantly affected by the presence of bent shoots. However, upright shoot dry weight increased by 35 and 59 % in plants with, respectively, one and three bent shoots compared with plants without bent shoots. The increased upright shoot dry weight was entirely due to the contribution of extra photosynthesis by bent shoots, as this was the only source that could induce differences in upright shoot growth apart from their own photosynthesis. At least 47-51 % of the photosynthesis by bent shoots was translocated to upright shoots to support their biomass increase. CONCLUSIONS Based on model simulations, we conclude that the positive effect of shoot bending on flower shoot growth and quality in cut-rose production system can almost entirely be attributed to assimilate supply from bent shoots. FSP modelling is a useful tool to quantify the contributions of photosynthesis by different parts of heterogeneous canopies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ningyi Zhang
- Horticulture and Product Physiology Group, Department of Plant Sciences, Wageningen University, 6700 AA Wageningen, The Netherlands
- Centre for Crop Systems Analysis, Department of Plant Sciences, Wageningen University, 6700 AK Wageningen, The Netherlands
- For correspondence. E-mail: or
| | - Arian van Westreenen
- Horticulture and Product Physiology Group, Department of Plant Sciences, Wageningen University, 6700 AA Wageningen, The Netherlands
- Centre for Crop Systems Analysis, Department of Plant Sciences, Wageningen University, 6700 AK Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Jochem B Evers
- Centre for Crop Systems Analysis, Department of Plant Sciences, Wageningen University, 6700 AK Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Niels P R Anten
- Centre for Crop Systems Analysis, Department of Plant Sciences, Wageningen University, 6700 AK Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Leo F M Marcelis
- Horticulture and Product Physiology Group, Department of Plant Sciences, Wageningen University, 6700 AA Wageningen, The Netherlands
- For correspondence. E-mail: or
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Wang M, White N, Hanan J, He D, Wang E, Cribb B, Kriticos DJ, Paini D, Grimm V. Parameter estimation for functional-structural plant models when data are scarce: using multiple patterns for rejecting unsuitable parameter sets. Ann Bot 2020; 126:559-570. [PMID: 32002551 PMCID: PMC7489104 DOI: 10.1093/aob/mcaa016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2019] [Accepted: 01/29/2020] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Functional-structural plant (FSP) models provide insights into the complex interactions between plant architecture and underlying developmental mechanisms. However, parameter estimation of FSP models remains challenging. We therefore used pattern-oriented modelling (POM) to test whether parameterization of FSP models can be made more efficient, systematic and powerful. With POM, a set of weak patterns is used to determine uncertain parameter values, instead of measuring them in experiments or observations, which often is infeasible. METHODS We used an existing FSP model of avocado (Persea americana 'Hass') and tested whether POM parameterization would converge to an existing manual parameterization. The model was run for 10 000 parameter sets and model outputs were compared with verification patterns. Each verification pattern served as a filter for rejecting unrealistic parameter sets. The model was then validated by running it with the surviving parameter sets that passed all filters and then comparing their pooled model outputs with additional validation patterns that were not used for parameterization. KEY RESULTS POM calibration led to 22 surviving parameter sets. Within these sets, most individual parameters varied over a large range. One of the resulting sets was similar to the manually parameterized set. Using the entire suite of surviving parameter sets, the model successfully predicted all validation patterns. However, two of the surviving parameter sets could not make the model predict all validation patterns. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest strong interactions among model parameters and their corresponding processes, respectively. Using all surviving parameter sets takes these interactions into account fully, thereby improving model performance regarding validation and model output uncertainty. We conclude that POM calibration allows FSP models to be developed in a timely manner without having to rely on field or laboratory experiments, or on cumbersome manual parameterization. POM also increases the predictive power of FSP models.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ming Wang
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), Health & Biosecurity, Canberra, Australia
- The University of Queensland, Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation (QAAFI), Centre for Horticultural Science, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Neil White
- The University of Queensland, Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation (QAAFI), Centre for Horticultural Science, Brisbane, Australia
- Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, Toowoomba, Australia
| | - Jim Hanan
- The University of Queensland, Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation (QAAFI), Centre for Horticultural Science, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Di He
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), Agriculture & Food, Canberra, Australia
| | - Enli Wang
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), Agriculture & Food, Canberra, Australia
| | - Bronwen Cribb
- The University of Queensland, Centre for Microscopy and Microanalysis, Brisbane, Australia
- The University of Queensland, School of Biological Sciences, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Darren J Kriticos
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), Health & Biosecurity, Canberra, Australia
- The University of Queensland, School of Biological Sciences, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Dean Paini
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), Health & Biosecurity, Canberra, Australia
| | - Volker Grimm
- Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research-UFZ, Department of Ecological Modelling, Permoserstr, Germany
- University of Potsdam, Department of Plant Ecology and Nature Conservation, Am Mühlenberg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Rusman Q, Lucas‐Barbosa D, Hassan K, Poelman EH. Plant ontogeny determines strength and associated plant fitness consequences of plant-mediated interactions between herbivores and flower visitors. J Ecol 2020; 108:1046-1060. [PMID: 32421019 PMCID: PMC7217261 DOI: 10.1111/1365-2745.13370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2019] [Accepted: 01/22/2020] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Plants show ontogenetic variation in growth-defence strategies to maximize reproductive output within a community context. Most work on plant ontogenetic variation in growth-defence trade-offs has focussed on interactions with antagonistic insect herbivores. Plants respond to herbivore attack with phenotypic changes. Despite the knowledge that plant responses to herbivory affect plant mutualistic interactions with pollinators required for reproduction, indirect interactions between herbivores and pollinators have not been included in the evaluation of how ontogenetic growth-defence trajectories affect plant fitness.In a common garden experiment with the annual Brassica nigra, we investigated whether exposure to various herbivore species on different plant ontogenetic stages (vegetative, bud or flowering stage) affects plant flowering traits, interactions with flower visitors and results in fitness consequences for the plant.Effects of herbivory on flowering plant traits and interactions with flower visitors depended on plant ontogeny. Plant exposure in the vegetative stage to the caterpillar Pieris brassicae and aphid Brevicoryne brassicae led to reduced flowering time and flower production, and resulted in reduced pollinator attraction, pollen beetle colonization, total seed production and seed weight. When plants had buds, infestation by most herbivore species tested reduced flower production and pollen beetle colonization. Pollinator attraction was either increased or reduced. Plants infested in the flowering stage with P. brassicae or Lipaphis erysimi flowered longer, while infestation by any of the herbivore species tested increased the number of flower visits by pollinators.Our results show that the outcome of herbivore-flower visitor interactions in B. nigra is specific for the combination of herbivore species and plant ontogenetic stage. Consequences of herbivory for flowering traits and reproductive output were strongest when plants were attacked early in life. Such differences in selection pressures imposed by herbivores to specific plant ontogenetic stages may drive the evolution of distinct ontogenetic trajectories in growth-defence-reproduction strategies and include indirect interactions between herbivores and flower visitors. Synthesis. Plant ontogeny can define the direct and indirect consequences of herbivory. Our study shows that the ontogenetic stage of plant individuals determined the effects of herbivory on plant flowering traits, interactions with flower visitors and plant fitness.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Quint Rusman
- Laboratory of EntomologyWageningen UniversityWageningenThe Netherlands
| | - Dani Lucas‐Barbosa
- Laboratory of EntomologyWageningen UniversityWageningenThe Netherlands
- Present address:
Bio‐communication & EcologyETH ZürichSchmelzbergstrasse 98092ZürichSwitzerland
| | - Kamrul Hassan
- Laboratory of EntomologyWageningen UniversityWageningenThe Netherlands
- Present address:
Hawkesbury Institute for the EnvironmentWestern Sydney UniversityLocked Bag 1797PenrithNSW2751Australia
| | - Erik H. Poelman
- Laboratory of EntomologyWageningen UniversityWageningenThe Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Lu X, He M, Tang S, Wu Y, Shao X, Wei H, Siemann E, Ding J. Herbivory may promote a non-native plant invasion at low but not high latitudes. Ann Bot 2019; 124:819-827. [PMID: 31318017 PMCID: PMC6868397 DOI: 10.1093/aob/mcz121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2019] [Accepted: 07/12/2019] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS The strengths of biotic interactions such as herbivory are expected to decrease with increasing latitude for native species. To what extent this applies to invasive species and what the consequences of this variation are for competition among native and invasive species remain unexplored. Here, herbivore impacts on the invasive plant Alternanthera philoxeroides and its competition with the native congener A. sessilis were estimated across latitudes in China. METHODS An common garden experiment spanning ten latitudinal degrees was conducted to test how herbivore impacts on A. philoxeroides and A. sessilis, and competition between them change with latitude. In addition, a field survey was conducted from 21°N to 36.8°N to test whether A. philoxeroides invasiveness changes with latitude in nature as a result of variations in herbivory. KEY RESULTS In the experiment, A. sessilis cover was significantly higher than A. philoxeroides cover when they competed in the absence of herbivores, but otherwise their cover was comparable at low latitude. However, A. philoxeroides cover was always higher on average than A. sessilis cover at middle latitude. At high latitude, only A. sessilis emerged in the second year. Herbivore abundance decreased with latitude and A. philoxeroides emerged earlier than A. sessilis at middle latitude. In the field survey, the ratio of A. philoxeroides to A. sessilis cover was hump shaped with latitude. CONCLUSION These results indicate that herbivory may promote A. philoxeroides invasion only at low latitude by altering the outcome of competition in favour of the invader and point to the importance of other factors, such as earlier emergence, in A. philoxeroides invasion at higher latitudes. These results suggest that the key factors promoting plant invasions might change with latitude, highlighting the importance of teasing apart the roles of multiple factors in plant invasions within a biogeographic framework.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xinmin Lu
- College of Plant Sciences & Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Wuhan Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- For correspondence. E-mail ,
| | - Minyan He
- Wuhan Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Saichun Tang
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Plant Conservation and Restoration Ecology in Karst Terrain, Guangxi Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guilin, Guangxi, China
| | - Yuqing Wu
- Institute of Plant Protection, Henan Academy of Agriculture Sciences, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Xu Shao
- Wuhan Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Hui Wei
- Wuhan Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Pearl River Fisheries Research Institute, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Evan Siemann
- Biosciences Department, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Jianqing Ding
- College of Plant Sciences & Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- School of Life Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan, China
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Papazian S, Girdwood T, Wessels BA, Poelman EH, Dicke M, Moritz T, Albrectsen BR. Leaf metabolic signatures induced by real and simulated herbivory in black mustard (Brassica nigra). Metabolomics 2019; 15:130. [PMID: 31563978 PMCID: PMC6765471 DOI: 10.1007/s11306-019-1592-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2019] [Accepted: 09/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The oxylipin methyl jasmonate (MeJA) is a plant hormone active in response signalling and defence against herbivores. Although MeJA is applied experimentally to mimic herbivory and induce plant defences, its downstream effects on the plant metabolome are largely uncharacterized, especially in the context of primary growth and tissue-specificity of the response. OBJECTIVES We investigated the effects of MeJA-simulated and real caterpillar herbivory on the foliar metabolome of the wild plant Brassica nigra and monitored the herbivore-induced responses in relation to leaf ontogeny. METHODS As single or multiple herbivory treatments, MeJA- and mock-sprayed plants were consecutively exposed to caterpillars or left untreated. Gas chromatography (GC) and liquid chromatography (LC) time-of-flight mass-spectrometry (TOF-MS) were combined to analyse foliar compounds, including central primary and specialized defensive plant metabolites. RESULTS Plant responses were stronger in young leaves, which simultaneously induced higher chlorophyll levels. Both MeJA and caterpillar herbivory induced similar, but not identical, accumulation of tricarboxylic acids (TCAs), glucosinolates (GSLs) and phenylpropanoids (PPs), but only caterpillar feeding led to depletion of amino acids. MeJA followed by caterpillars caused higher induction of defence compounds, including a three-fold increase in the major defence compound allyl-GSL (sinigrin). When feeding on MeJA-treated plants, caterpillars gained less weight indicative of the reduced host-plant quality and enhanced resistance. CONCLUSIONS The metabolomics approach showed that plant responses induced by herbivory extend beyond the regulation of defence metabolism and are tightly modulated throughout leaf development. This leads to a new understanding of the plant metabolic potential that can be exploited for future plant protection strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Papazian
- 0000 0001 1034 3451grid.12650.30Department of Plant Physiology, Umeå University (Umeå Plant Science Centre), 90187 Umeå, Sweden
| | - Tristan Girdwood
- 0000 0001 1034 3451grid.12650.30Department of Plant Physiology, Umeå University (Umeå Plant Science Centre), 90187 Umeå, Sweden
| | - Bernard A. Wessels
- 0000 0001 1034 3451grid.12650.30Department of Plant Physiology, Umeå University (Umeå Plant Science Centre), 90187 Umeå, Sweden
| | - Erik H. Poelman
- 0000 0001 0791 5666grid.4818.5Laboratory of Entomology, Wageningen University, 6700 AA Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Marcel Dicke
- 0000 0001 0791 5666grid.4818.5Laboratory of Entomology, Wageningen University, 6700 AA Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Thomas Moritz
- 0000 0000 8578 2742grid.6341.0Department of Forest Genetic and Plant Physiology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (Umeå Plant Science Centre), 90187 Umeå, Sweden
| | - Benedicte R. Albrectsen
- 0000 0001 1034 3451grid.12650.30Department of Plant Physiology, Umeå University (Umeå Plant Science Centre), 90187 Umeå, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Wilkinson SW, Magerøy MH, López Sánchez A, Smith LM, Furci L, Cotton TEA, Krokene P, Ton J. Surviving in a Hostile World: Plant Strategies to Resist Pests and Diseases. Annu Rev Phytopathol 2019; 57:505-529. [PMID: 31470772 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-phyto-082718-095959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
As primary producers, plants are under constant pressure to defend themselves against potentially deadly pathogens and herbivores. In this review, we describe short- and long-term strategies that enable plants to cope with these stresses. Apart from internal immunological strategies that involve physiological and (epi)genetic modifications at the cellular level, plants also employ external strategies that rely on recruitment of beneficial organisms. We discuss these strategies along a gradient of increasing timescales, ranging from rapid immune responses that are initiated within seconds to (epi)genetic adaptations that occur over multiple plant generations. We cover the latest insights into the mechanistic and evolutionary underpinnings of these strategies and present explanatory models. Finally, we discuss how knowledge from short-lived model species can be translated to economically and ecologically important perennials to exploit adaptive plant strategies and mitigate future impacts of pests and diseases in an increasingly interconnected and changing world.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Samuel W Wilkinson
- Plant Production and Protection Institute and Department of Animal and Plant Sciences, The University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield S10 2TN, United Kingdom;
- Department of Molecular Plant Biology, Division for Biotechnology and Plant Health, Norwegian Institute for Bioeconomy Research, 1431 Ås, Norway
| | - Melissa H Magerøy
- Department of Molecular Plant Biology, Division for Biotechnology and Plant Health, Norwegian Institute for Bioeconomy Research, 1431 Ås, Norway
| | - Ana López Sánchez
- Plant Production and Protection Institute and Department of Animal and Plant Sciences, The University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield S10 2TN, United Kingdom;
- Departamento de Genética Molecular de Plantas, Centro Nacional de Biotecnología, Campus de Cantoblanco, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 28049 Madrid, Spain
| | - Lisa M Smith
- Plant Production and Protection Institute and Department of Animal and Plant Sciences, The University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield S10 2TN, United Kingdom;
| | - Leonardo Furci
- Plant Production and Protection Institute and Department of Animal and Plant Sciences, The University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield S10 2TN, United Kingdom;
| | - T E Anne Cotton
- Plant Production and Protection Institute and Department of Animal and Plant Sciences, The University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield S10 2TN, United Kingdom;
| | - Paal Krokene
- Department of Molecular Plant Biology, Division for Biotechnology and Plant Health, Norwegian Institute for Bioeconomy Research, 1431 Ås, Norway
| | - Jurriaan Ton
- Plant Production and Protection Institute and Department of Animal and Plant Sciences, The University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield S10 2TN, United Kingdom;
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Bongers FJ, Douma JC, Iwasa Y, Pierik R, Evers JB, Anten NPR. Variation in plastic responses to light results from selection in different competitive environments-A game theoretical approach using virtual plants. PLoS Comput Biol 2019; 15:e1007253. [PMID: 31433817 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1007253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2018] [Accepted: 07/08/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Phenotypic plasticity is a vital strategy for plants to deal with changing conditions by inducing phenotypes favourable in different environments. Understanding how natural selection acts on variation in phenotypic plasticity in plants is therefore a central question in ecology, but is often ignored in modelling studies. Here we present a new modelling approach that allows for the analysis of selection for variation in phenotypic plasticity as a response strategy. We assess selection for shade avoidance strategies of Arabidopsis thaliana in response to future neighbour shading signalled through a decrease in red:far-red (R:FR) ratio. For this, we used a spatially explicit 3D virtual plant model that simulates individual Arabidopsis plants competing for light in different planting densities. Plant structure and growth were determined by the organ-specific interactions with the light environment created by the vegetation structure itself. Shade avoidance plastic responses were defined by a plastic response curve relating petiole elongation and lamina growth to R:FR perceived locally. Different plasticity strategies were represented by different shapes of the response curve that expressed different levels of R:FR sensitivity. Our analyses show that the shape of the selected shade avoidance strategy varies with planting density. At higher planting densities, more sensitive response curves are selected for than at lower densities. In addition, the balance between lamina and petiole responses influences the sensitivity of the response curves selected for. Combining computational virtual plant modelling with a game theoretical analysis represents a new step towards analysing how natural selection could have acted upon variation in shade avoidance as a response strategy, which can be linked to genetic variation and underlying physiological processes.
Collapse
|
14
|
Douma JC, de Vries J, Poelman EH, Dicke M, Anten NP, Evers JB. Ecological significance of light quality in optimizing plant defence. Plant Cell Environ 2019; 42:1065-1077. [PMID: 30702750 PMCID: PMC6392137 DOI: 10.1111/pce.13524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2018] [Revised: 01/17/2019] [Accepted: 01/22/2019] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Plants balance the allocation of resources between growth and defence to optimize fitness in a competitive environment. Perception of neighbour-detection cues, such as a low ratio of red to far-red (R:FR) radiation, activates a suite of shade-avoidance responses that include stem elongation and upward leaf movement, whilst simultaneously downregulating defence. This downregulation is hypothesized to benefit the plant either by mediating the growth-defence balance in favour of growth in high plant densities or, alternatively, by mediating defence of individual leaves such that those most photosynthetically productive are best protected. To test these hypotheses, we used a 3D functional-structural plant model of Brassica nigra that mechanistically simulates the interactions between plant architecture, herbivory, and the light environment. Our results show that plant-level defence expression is a strong determinant of plant fitness and that leaf-level defence mediation by R:FR can provide a fitness benefit in high densities. However, optimal plant-level defence expression does not decrease monotonically with plant density, indicating that R:FR mediation of defence alone is not enough to optimize defence between densities. Therefore, assessing the ecological significance of R:FR-mediated defence is paramount to better understand the evolution of this physiological linkage and its implications for crop breeding.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jacob C. Douma
- Centre for Crop Systems AnalysisWageningen University6708PBWageningenThe Netherlands
- Laboratory of EntomologyWageningen University6708PBWageningenThe Netherlands
| | - Jorad de Vries
- Centre for Crop Systems AnalysisWageningen University6708PBWageningenThe Netherlands
- Laboratory of EntomologyWageningen University6708PBWageningenThe Netherlands
| | - Erik H. Poelman
- Laboratory of EntomologyWageningen University6708PBWageningenThe Netherlands
| | - Marcel Dicke
- Laboratory of EntomologyWageningen University6708PBWageningenThe Netherlands
| | - Niels P.R. Anten
- Centre for Crop Systems AnalysisWageningen University6708PBWageningenThe Netherlands
| | - Jochem B. Evers
- Centre for Crop Systems AnalysisWageningen University6708PBWageningenThe Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
de Vries J, Evers JB, Dicke M, Poelman EH. Ecological interactions shape the adaptive value of plant defence: Herbivore attack versus competition for light. Funct Ecol 2019; 33:129-138. [PMID: 31007332 PMCID: PMC6472621 DOI: 10.1111/1365-2435.13234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2018] [Accepted: 10/14/2018] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Plants defend themselves against diverse communities of herbivorous insects. This requires an investment of limited resources, for which plants also compete with neighbours. The consequences of an investment in defence are determined by the metabolic costs of defence as well as indirect or ecological costs through interactions with other organisms. These ecological costs have a potentially strong impact on the evolution of defensive traits, but have proven to be difficult to quantify.We aimed to quantify the relative impact of the direct and indirect or ecological costs and benefits of an investment in plant defence in relation to herbivory and intergenotypic competition for light. Additionally, we evaluated how the benefits of plant defence balance its costs in the context of herbivory and intergenotypic competition.To this end, we utilised a functional-structural plant (FSP) model of Brassica nigra that simulates plant growth and development, morphogenesis, herbivory and plant defence. In the model, a simulated investment in defences affected plant growth by competing with other plant organs for resources and affected the level and distribution of herbivore damage.Our results show that the ecological costs of intergenotypic competition for light are highly detrimental to the fitness of defended plants, as it amplifies the size difference between defended and undefended plants. This leads to herbivore damage counteracting the effects of intergenotypic competition under the assumption that herbivore damage scales with plant size. Additionally, we show that plant defence relies on reducing herbivore damage rather than the dispersion of herbivore damage, which is only beneficial under high levels of herbivore damage.We conclude that the adaptive value of plant defence is highly dependent on ecological interactions and is predominantly determined by the outcome of competition for light. plain language summary is available for this article.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jorad de Vries
- Laboratory of EntomologyWageningen UniversityWageningenThe Netherlands
- Centre for Crop System AnalysisWageningen UniversityWageningenThe Netherlands
| | - Jochem B. Evers
- Centre for Crop System AnalysisWageningen UniversityWageningenThe Netherlands
| | - Marcel Dicke
- Laboratory of EntomologyWageningen UniversityWageningenThe Netherlands
| | - Erik H. Poelman
- Laboratory of EntomologyWageningen UniversityWageningenThe Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Mulvenna CC, Wilson RP, Marks NJ, Maule AG, Scantlebury DM. The ability of magnetic field sensors to monitor feeding in three domestic herbivores. PeerJ 2018; 6:e5489. [PMID: 30225163 PMCID: PMC6139244 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.5489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2018] [Accepted: 07/30/2018] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The rate at which animals ingest food is a fundamental part of animal ecology although it is rarely quantified, with recently-developed animal-attached tags providing a potentially viable approach. However, to date, these methods lack clarity in differentiating various eating behaviours, such as ‘chewing’ from ‘biting’. The aims of this study were to examine the use of inter-mandibular angle sensors (IMASENs), to quantify grazing behaviour in herbivores including cattle (Bos taurus), sheep (Ovis aries) and pygmy goats (Capra aegagrus hircus) eating different foodstuffs. Specifically, we aimed to: (1) quantify jaw movements of each species and determine differences between biting and chewing; (2) assess whether different food types can be discerned from jaw movements; and (3) determine whether species-specific differences in jaw movements can be detected. Subjects were filmed while consuming concentrate, hay, grass and browse to allow comparison of observed and IMASEN-recorded jaw movements. This study shows that IMASENs can accurately detect jaw movements of feeding herbivores, and, based on the rate of jaw movements, can classify biting (taking new material into the mouth) from chewing (masticating material already in the mouth). The biting behaviours associated with concentrate pellets could be identified easily as these occurred at the fastest rate for all species. However, the rates of chewing different food items were more difficult to discern from one another. Comparison of chew:bite ratios of the various food types eaten by each species showed no differences. Species differences could be identified using bite and chew rates. Cattle consistently displayed slower bite and chew rates to sheep and pygmy goats when feeding, while sheep and pygmy goats showed similar bite and chew rates when feeding on concentrate pellets. Species-specific differences in chew:bite ratios were not identified. Magnetometry has the potential to record quantitative aspects of foraging such as the feeding duration, food handling time and food type. This is of major importance for researchers interested in both captive (e.g., agricultural productivity) and wild animal foraging dynamics as it can provide quantitative data with minimal observer interference.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christina C Mulvenna
- School of Biological Sciences, Institute for Global Food Security, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom
| | - Rory P Wilson
- Biosciences, College of Science, Swansea University, Swansea, United Kingdom
| | - Nikki J Marks
- School of Biological Sciences, Institute for Global Food Security, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom
| | - Aaron G Maule
- School of Biological Sciences, Institute for Global Food Security, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom
| | - David M Scantlebury
- School of Biological Sciences, Institute for Global Food Security, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Abstract
The need to integrate the ever-expanding body of knowledge in the plant sciences has led to the development of sophisticated modelling approaches. This special issue focuses on functional–structural plant (FSP) models, which are the result of cross-fertilization between the domains of plant science, computer science and mathematics. FSP models simulate growth and morphology of individual plants that interact with their environment, from which complex plant community properties emerge. FSP models can be used for a broad range of research questions across disciplines related to plant science. This special issue presents the latest developments in FSP modelling, including the novel incorporation of plant ecophysiological concepts and the application of FSP models to address new scientific questions. Additionally, it illustrates the breadth of model evaluation approaches that are performed. FSP modelling is a very active domain of plant research which brings together a wide range of scientific disciplines. It offers the opportunity to address questions in complex plant systems that cannot be addressed by empirical approaches alone, including questions on fundamental concepts related to plant development such as regulation of morphogenesis, as well as on applied concepts such as the relationship between crop performance and plant competition for resources.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jochem B Evers
- Centre for Crop Systems Analysis, Wageningen University, Wageningen, The Netherlands
- For correspondence. E-mail:
| | - Veronique Letort
- Mathématiques et Informatique pour la Complexité et les Systèmes, CentraleSupélec, Université Paris-Saclay, Gif-Sur-Yvette, France
| | - Michael Renton
- Schools of Biological Sciences, Agriculture and Environment, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
| | - Mengzhen Kang
- State Key Laboratory of Management and Control for Complex Systems, Institute of Automation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Qingdao Academy of Intelligent Industries, Qingdao, China
| |
Collapse
|