1
|
Kheam S, Gallinger J, Ninkovic V. Communication between undamaged plants can elicit changes in volatile emissions from neighbouring plants, thereby altering their susceptibility to aphids. PLANT, CELL & ENVIRONMENT 2024; 47:1543-1555. [PMID: 38254306 DOI: 10.1111/pce.14828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2023] [Revised: 01/02/2024] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
Plant volatiles play an important role in intra- and interspecific plant communication, inducing direct and indirect defenses against insect pests. However, it remains unknown whether volatile interactions between undamaged cultivars alter host plant volatile emissions and their perception by insect pests. Here, we tested the effects of exposure of a spring barley, Hordeum vulgare L., cultivar, Salome, to volatiles from other cultivars: Fairytale and Anakin. We found that exposing Salome to Fairytale induced a significantly higher emission of trans-β-ocimene and two unidentified compounds compared when exposed to Anakin. Aphids were repelled at a higher concentration of trans-β-ocimene. Salome exposure to Fairytale had significant repulsive effects on aphid olfactory preference, yet not when Salome was exposed to Anakin. We demonstrate that volatile interactions between specific undamaged plants can induce changes in volatile emission by receiver plants enhancing certain compounds, which can disrupt aphid olfactory preferences. Our results highlight the significant roles of volatiles in plant-plant interactions, affecting plant-insect interactions in suppressing insect pests. This has important implications for crop protection and sustainable agriculture.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sokha Kheam
- Department of Ecology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Royal University of Phnom Penh, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
| | - Jannicke Gallinger
- Department of Ecology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Velemir Ninkovic
- Department of Ecology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Tous-Fandos A, Gallinger J, Enting A, Chamorro-Lorenzo L, Sans Serra FX, Ninkovic V. Alterations in the odor profile of plants in cultivar mixtures affect aphid host-location behavior. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2023; 14:1186425. [PMID: 37351201 PMCID: PMC10284062 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2023.1186425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 06/24/2023]
Abstract
The effect of cultivar mixtures on aphid control is attributed to the masking or alteration of host-preferred cultivar odor cues. However, the underlying physiological mechanism remains unclear. This study assessed alterations in the volatile emissions of wheat cultivars grown together (Florence-Aurora and Forment; Florence-Aurora and Montcada) and the consequences for the olfactory preference of aphids. Volatile organic compounds were collected from wheat plants grown in a laboratory under mixed or monoculture conditions and subsequently analyzed. The odor profiles of Florence-Aurora and Montcada were indistinguishable from each other. However, the odors of Florence-Aurora and Forment grown in monocultures differed significantly from those emitted by their mixture. The Florence-Aurora and Forment mixture induced plant physiological responses that affected the emission of single volatile compounds and, consequently, altered volatile organic compound ratios. English grain aphids (Sitobion avenae) were less attracted to the odors of Florence-Aurora and Forment when grown as a mixture than the combination of the odors from Florence-Aurora and Forment monocultures. Moreover, aphids preferred clean air over the odor from the Florence-Aurora and Forment mixture but preferred the odor from the Florence-Aurora and Montcada mixture over clean air. This study highlights the beneficial effects of intraspecific plant diversity on aphid control by altering plant odors in response to plant-plant interactions. The emission of less attractive odor cues consequently affects plant-aphid interactions; hence, less attractive odors are likely to impair aphid host-locating behavior. This effect was exclusive to certain cultivar mixtures, which supports the "right neighbor" concept.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alba Tous-Fandos
- Department of Evolutionary Biology, Ecology and Environmental Sciences, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Institut de Recerca de la Biodiversitat (IRBio), Universitat de Barcelona (UB), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jannicke Gallinger
- Department of Ecology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Arnoud Enting
- Department of Ecology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
- Aeres University of Applied Sciences, Almere, Netherlands
| | - Lourdes Chamorro-Lorenzo
- Department of Evolutionary Biology, Ecology and Environmental Sciences, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Institut de Recerca de la Biodiversitat (IRBio), Universitat de Barcelona (UB), Barcelona, Spain
| | - F. Xavier Sans Serra
- Department of Evolutionary Biology, Ecology and Environmental Sciences, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Institut de Recerca de la Biodiversitat (IRBio), Universitat de Barcelona (UB), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Velemir Ninkovic
- Department of Ecology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Kong X, Li L, Peng P, Zhang K, Hu Z, Wang X, Zhao G. Wheat cultivar mixtures increase grain yield under varied climate conditions. Basic Appl Ecol 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.baae.2023.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/31/2023]
|
4
|
Towards Predictions of Interaction Dynamics between Cereal Aphids and Their Natural Enemies: A Review. INSECTS 2022; 13:insects13050479. [PMID: 35621813 PMCID: PMC9146300 DOI: 10.3390/insects13050479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2022] [Revised: 05/11/2022] [Accepted: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022]
Abstract
Simple Summary Understanding how pests and their natural enemies interact dynamically during the growing season and what drivers act on those interactions will help to develop efficient pest control strategies. We reviewed empirical and modeling publications on the drivers influencing the aphids–natural enemy dynamics. We found disparities between what is known empirically and what is used as main drivers in the models. Predation and parasitism are rarely measured empirically but are often represented in models, while plant phenology is supposed to be a strong driver of aphids’ dynamics while it is rarely used in models. Since modelers and empirical scientists do not share a lot of publications, we incite more crossover works between both communities to elaborate (i) new empirical settings based on simulation results and (ii) build more accurate and robust models integrating more key drivers of the aphid dynamics. These models could be integrated into decision support systems to help advisors and farmers to design more effective integrated pest management systems. Abstract (1) Although most past studies are based on static analyses of the pest regulation drivers, evidence shows that a greater focus on the temporal dynamics of these interactions is urgently required to develop more efficient strategies. (2) Focusing on aphids, we systematically reviewed (i) empirical knowledge on the drivers influencing the dynamics of aphid–natural enemy interactions and (ii) models developed to simulate temporal or spatio-temporal aphid dynamics. (3) Reviewed studies mainly focus on the abundance dynamics of aphids and their natural enemies, and on aphid population growth rates. The dynamics of parasitism and predation are rarely measured empirically, although it is often represented in models. Temperature is mostly positively correlated with aphid population growth rates. Plant phenology and landscape effects are poorly represented in models. (4) We propose a research agenda to progress towards models and empirical knowledge usable to design effective CBC strategies. We claim that crossover works between empirical and modeling community will help design new empirical settings based on simulation results and build more accurate and robust models integrating more key drivers of aphid dynamics. Such models, turned into decision support systems, are urgently needed by farmers and advisors in order to design effective integrated pest management.
Collapse
|
5
|
Galmán A, Vázquez‐González C, Röder G, Castagneyrol B. Interactive effects of tree species composition and water availability on growth and direct and indirect defences in
Quercus ilex. OIKOS 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/oik.09125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Galmán
- Misión Biológica de Galicia, National Spanish Research Council (CSIC) Pontevedra Spain
- Inst. of Biology/Geobotany and Botanical Garden, Martin Luther Univ. Halle‐Wittenberg Germany
| | - Carla Vázquez‐González
- Misión Biológica de Galicia, National Spanish Research Council (CSIC) Pontevedra Spain
- Dept of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Univ. of California Irvine CA USA
| | - Gregory Röder
- Inst. of Biology, Univ. of Neuchâtel Neuchâtel Switzerland
| | | |
Collapse
|
6
|
Brooker RW, Hewison R, Mitchell C, Newton AC, Pakeman RJ, Schöb C, Karley AJ. Does crop genetic diversity support positive biodiversity effects under experimental drought? Basic Appl Ecol 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.baae.2021.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
|
7
|
Wang L, Cui H, Chang X, Zhu M, Zhao Z. Increased nitrogen fertilization inhibits the biocontrol activity promoted by the intercropping partner plant. INSECT SCIENCE 2021; 28:1179-1190. [PMID: 32567801 DOI: 10.1111/1744-7917.12843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2020] [Revised: 06/14/2020] [Accepted: 06/15/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The examination of the compatibility between agricultural practices and biocontrol activities is crucial for establishing an efficient, eco-friendly, and sustainable pest management program. In this study, we examined the population dynamics of two specialist aphids, the English grain aphid (Sitobion avenae) on potted wheat and the pea aphid (Acyrthosiphon pisum) on potted alfalfa, as well as the biocontrol activity of a generalist predator, the harlequin ladybird beetle (Harmonia axyridis). We investigated their responses to the presence of the intercropping partner plant species (alfalfa and wheat, respectively) through plant volatiles or visual cues at three nitrogen fertilizer levels in a greenhouse. In the absence of the predator, the English grain aphid population growth rate increased significantly with increasing nitrogen levels, whereas the pea aphid population increased significantly more slowly in response to high nitrogen levels. The English grain aphid and pea aphid population dynamics were unaffected by the presence of the intercropping partner. However, the presence of the intercropping partner enhanced the control of both aphid populations by the harlequin ladybird beetle. Increasing nitrogen fertilizer levels decreased the predation rates, which were otherwise increased by the intercropping partner. The beneficial effects of the intercropping partner were eventually non-existent at the highest nitrogen level tested. These results imply that the interaction between the presence of intercropping partner and the nitrogen fertilizer application affects the biocontrol activity of the natural enemies of insect pests. Thus, the compatibility between agricultural intensification and biocontrol strategies in integrated pest management programs need to be investigated.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Leyun Wang
- Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Hongying Cui
- Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Xinyue Chang
- Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Mengmeng Zhu
- Institute of Plant Protection, Ningxia Academy of Agricultural and Forestry Sciences, Yinchuan, China
| | - Zihua Zhao
- Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Neighbor GWAS: incorporating neighbor genotypic identity into genome-wide association studies of field herbivory. Heredity (Edinb) 2021; 126:597-614. [PMID: 33514929 PMCID: PMC8115658 DOI: 10.1038/s41437-020-00401-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2020] [Revised: 12/25/2020] [Accepted: 12/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
An increasing number of field studies have shown that the phenotype of an individual plant depends not only on its genotype but also on those of neighboring plants; however, this fact is not taken into consideration in genome-wide association studies (GWAS). Based on the Ising model of ferromagnetism, we incorporated neighbor genotypic identity into a regression model, named "Neighbor GWAS". Our simulations showed that the effective range of neighbor effects could be estimated using an observed phenotype when the proportion of phenotypic variation explained (PVE) by neighbor effects peaked. The spatial scale of the first nearest neighbors gave the maximum power to detect the causal variants responsible for neighbor effects, unless their effective range was too broad. However, if the effective range of the neighbor effects was broad and minor allele frequencies were low, there was collinearity between the self and neighbor effects. To suppress the false positive detection of neighbor effects, the fixed effect and variance components involved in the neighbor effects should be tested in comparison with a standard GWAS model. We applied neighbor GWAS to field herbivory data from 199 accessions of Arabidopsis thaliana and found that neighbor effects explained 8% more of the PVE of the observed damage than standard GWAS. The neighbor GWAS method provides a novel tool that could facilitate the analysis of complex traits in spatially structured environments and is available as an R package at CRAN ( https://cran.rproject.org/package=rNeighborGWAS ).
Collapse
|
9
|
Ninkovic V, Markovic D, Rensing M. Plant volatiles as cues and signals in plant communication. PLANT, CELL & ENVIRONMENT 2021; 44:1030-1043. [PMID: 33047347 PMCID: PMC8048923 DOI: 10.1111/pce.13910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2020] [Revised: 10/05/2020] [Accepted: 10/05/2020] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Volatile organic compounds are important mediators of mutualistic interactions between plants and their physical and biological surroundings. Volatiles rapidly indicate competition or potential threat before these can take place, and they regulate and coordinate adaptation responses in neighbouring plants, fine-tuning them to match the exact stress encountered. Ecological specificity and context-dependency of plant-plant communication mediated by volatiles represent important factors that determine plant performance in specific environments. In this review, we synthesise the recent progress made in understanding the role of plant volatiles as mediators of plant interactions at the individual and community levels, highlighting the complexity of the plant receiver response to diverse volatile cues and signals and addressing how specific responses shape plant growth and survival. Finally, we outline the knowledge gaps and provide directions for future research. The complex dialogue between the emitter and receiver based on either volatile cues or signals determines the outcome of information exchange, which shapes the communication pattern between individuals at the community level and determines their ecological implications at other trophic levels.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Velemir Ninkovic
- Department of EcologySwedish University of Agricultural SciencesUppsalaSweden
| | - Dimitrije Markovic
- Department of Crop Production EcologySwedish University of Agricultural SciencesUppsalaSweden
- Faculty of Agriculture, University of Banja LukaBanja LukaBosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Merlin Rensing
- Department of EcologySwedish University of Agricultural SciencesUppsalaSweden
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Koski TM, de Jong S, Muola A, Amby DB, Andreasson E, Stenberg JA. 'Resistance Mixtures' Reduce Insect Herbivory in Strawberry ( Fragaria vesca) Plantations. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2021; 12:722795. [PMID: 34630469 PMCID: PMC8494967 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2021.722795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
The transition toward more sustainable plant protection with reduced pesticide use is difficult, because there is no "silver bullet" available among nonchemical tools. Integrating several plant protection approaches may thus be needed for efficient pest management. Recently, increasing the genetic diversity of plantations via cultivar mixing has been proposed as a possible method to reduce pest damage. However, previous studies have not addressed either the relative efficiency of exploiting cultivar mixing and intrinsic plant herbivore resistance or the potential utility of combining these approaches to increase cropping security. Here, using a full factorial experiment with 60 woodland strawberry plots, we tested for the relative and combined effect of cultivar mixing and intrinsic plant resistance on herbivore damage and yield. The experiment comprised two levels of diversity ("high" with 10 varieties and "low" with two varieties) and three levels of resistance ("resistant" comprising only varieties intrinsically resistant against strawberry leaf beetle Galerucella tenella; "susceptible" with susceptible varieties only; and "resistance mixtures" with 50:50 mixtures of resistant and susceptible varieties). The experiment was carried out over two growing seasons. Use of resistant varieties either alone or intermixed with susceptible varieties in "resistance mixtures" reduced insect herbivory. Interestingly, resistant varieties not only reduced the mean damage in "resistance mixtures" by themselves being less damaged, but also protected intermixed susceptible varieties via associational resistance. The effect of higher genetic diversity was less evident, reducing herbivory only at the highest level of herbivore damage. In general, herbivory was lowest in plots with high diversity that included at least some resistant varieties and highest in low diversity plots consisting only of susceptible varieties. Despite this, no significant difference in yield (fruit biomass) was found, indicating that strawberry may be relatively tolerant. Our results demonstrate that combined use of high genetic diversity and resistant varieties can help reduce pest damage and provide a useful tool for sustainable food production. "Resistance mixtures" may be particularly useful for sensitive food crops where susceptible varieties are high yielding that could not be completely replaced by resistant ones.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tuuli-Marjaana Koski
- Department of Plant Protection Biology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Alnarp, Sweden
- Section of Ecology, Department of Biology, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
- *Correspondence: Tuuli-Marjaana Koski,
| | - Sanne de Jong
- Department of Plant Protection Biology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Alnarp, Sweden
| | - Anne Muola
- Department of Plant Protection Biology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Alnarp, Sweden
- Section of Ecology, Department of Biology, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Daniel B. Amby
- Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Erik Andreasson
- Department of Plant Protection Biology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Alnarp, Sweden
| | - Johan A. Stenberg
- Department of Plant Protection Biology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Alnarp, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Karlsson Green K, Stenberg JA, Lankinen Å. Making sense of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) in the light of evolution. Evol Appl 2020; 13:1791-1805. [PMID: 32908586 PMCID: PMC7463341 DOI: 10.1111/eva.13067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2019] [Revised: 07/04/2020] [Accepted: 07/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is a holistic approach to combat pests (including herbivores, pathogens, and weeds) using a combination of preventive and curative actions, and only applying synthetic pesticides when there is an urgent need. Just as the recent recognition that an evolutionary perspective is useful in medicine to understand and predict interactions between hosts, diseases, and medical treatments, we argue that it is crucial to integrate an evolutionary framework in IPM to develop efficient and reliable crop protection strategies that do not lead to resistance development in herbivores, pathogens, and weeds. Such a framework would not only delay resistance evolution in pests, but also optimize each element of the management and increase the synergies between them. Here, we outline key areas within IPM that would especially benefit from a thorough evolutionary understanding. In addition, we discuss the difficulties and advantages of enhancing communication among research communities rooted in different biological disciplines and between researchers and society. Furthermore, we present suggestions that could advance implementation of evolutionary principles in IPM and thus contribute to the development of sustainable agriculture that is resilient to current and emerging pests.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kristina Karlsson Green
- Department of Plant Protection BiologySwedish University of Agricultural SciencesAlnarpSweden
| | - Johan A. Stenberg
- Department of Plant Protection BiologySwedish University of Agricultural SciencesAlnarpSweden
| | - Åsa Lankinen
- Department of Plant Protection BiologySwedish University of Agricultural SciencesAlnarpSweden
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Correlation in plant volatile metabolites: physiochemical properties as a proxy for enzymatic pathways and an alternative metric of biosynthetic constraint. CHEMOECOLOGY 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s00049-020-00322-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
|
13
|
Snyder LD, Gómez MI, Power AG. Crop Varietal Mixtures as a Strategy to Support Insect Pest Control, Yield, Economic, and Nutritional Services. FRONTIERS IN SUSTAINABLE FOOD SYSTEMS 2020. [DOI: 10.3389/fsufs.2020.00060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
|
14
|
Bryophytes can recognize their neighbours through volatile organic compounds. Sci Rep 2020; 10:7405. [PMID: 32366980 PMCID: PMC7198583 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-64108-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2019] [Accepted: 03/28/2020] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Communication between vascular plants through volatile organic compounds (VOCs) impacts on ecosystem functioning. However, nothing is known about that between non-vascular plants. To investigate plant-plant VOCs interaction in bryophytes we exposed rare peatland moss Hamatocaulis vernicosus to VOCs of its common competitor Sphagnum flexuosum in an air-flow system of connected containers under artificial light, supplemented or unsupplemented by far-red (FR) light. When exposed to VOCs of S. flexuosum, shoots of H. vernicosus elongated and emitted six times higher amounts of a compound chemically related to β-cyclocitral, which is employed in stress signalling and allelopathy in vascular plants. The VOCs emission was affected similarly by FR light addition, possibly simulating competition stress. This is the first evidence of plant-plant VOCs interaction in non-vascular plants, analogous to that in vascular plants. The findings open new possibilities for understanding the language and evolution of communication in land plants.
Collapse
|
15
|
Ninkovic V, Rensing M, Dahlin I, Markovic D. Who is my neighbor? Volatile cues in plant interactions. PLANT SIGNALING & BEHAVIOR 2019; 14:1634993. [PMID: 31267830 PMCID: PMC6768235 DOI: 10.1080/15592324.2019.1634993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2019] [Accepted: 06/18/2019] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
One of the most important challenges for individual plants is coexistence with their neighbors. To compensate for their sessile lifestyle, plants developed complex and sophisticated chemical systems of communication among each other. Site-specific biotic and abiotic factors constantly alter the physiological activity of plants, which causes them to release various secondary metabolites in their environments. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are the most common cues that reflect a plant's current physiological status. In this sense, the identity of its immediate neighbors may have the greatest impact for a plant, as they share the same available resources. Plants constantly monitor and respond to these cues with great sensitivity and discrimination, resulting in specific changes in their growth pattern and adjusting their physiology, morphology, and phenotype accordingly. Those typical competition responses in receivers may increase their fitness as they can be elicited even before the competition takes place. Plant-plant interactions are dynamic and complex as they can include many different and important surrounding cues. A major challenge for all individual plants is detecting and actively responding only to "true" cues that point to real upcoming threat. Such selective responses to highly specific cues embedded in volatile bouquets are of great ecological importance in understanding plant-plant interactions. We have reviewed recent research on the role of VOCs in complex plant-plant interactions in plant-cross kingdom and highlighted their influence on organisms at higher trophic levels.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Velemir Ninkovic
- Department of Ecology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
- CONTACT Velemir Ninkovic Department of Ecology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Merlin Rensing
- Department of Ecology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Iris Dahlin
- Department of Crop Production Ecology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Dimitrije Markovic
- Department of Crop Production Ecology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
- Faculty of Agriculture, University of Banja Luka, Banja Luka, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| |
Collapse
|