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Moulia B, Badel E, Bastien R, Duchemin L, Eloy C. The shaping of plant axes and crowns through tropisms and elasticity: an example of morphogenetic plasticity beyond the shoot apical meristem. THE NEW PHYTOLOGIST 2022; 233:2354-2379. [PMID: 34890051 DOI: 10.1111/nph.17913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Accepted: 06/17/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Shoot morphogenetic plasticity is crucial to the adaptation of plants to their fluctuating environments. Major insights into shoot morphogenesis have been compiled studying meristems, especially the shoot apical meristem (SAM), through a methodological effort in multiscale systems biology and biophysics. However, morphogenesis at the SAM is robust to environmental changes. Plasticity emerges later on during post-SAM development. The purpose of this review is to show that multiscale systems biology and biophysics is insightful for the shaping of the whole plant as well. More specifically, we review the shaping of axes and crowns through tropisms and elasticity, combining the recent advances in morphogenetic control using physical cues and by genes. We focus mostly on land angiosperms, but with growth habits ranging from small herbs to big trees. We show that generic (universal) morphogenetic processes have been identified, revealing feedforward and feedback effects of global shape on the local morphogenetic process. In parallel, major advances have been made in the analysis of the major genes involved in shaping axes and crowns, revealing conserved genic networks among angiosperms. Then, we show that these two approaches are now starting to converge, revealing exciting perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Moulia
- Université Clermont Auvergne, INRAE, PIAF, F-63000, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Eric Badel
- Université Clermont Auvergne, INRAE, PIAF, F-63000, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Renaud Bastien
- Université Clermont Auvergne, INRAE, PIAF, F-63000, Clermont-Ferrand, France
- INSERM U1284, Center for Research and Interdisciplinarity (CRI), Université de Paris, F-75004, Paris, France
| | - Laurent Duchemin
- Physique et Mécanique des Milieux Hétérogenes, CNRS, ESPCI Paris, Université PSL, Sorbonne Université, Université de Paris, F-75005, Paris, France
| | - Christophe Eloy
- Aix Marseille Univ, CNRS, Centrale Marseille, IRPHE, F-13013, Marseille, France
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2
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Postma JA, Hecht VL, Hikosaka K, Nord EA, Pons TL, Poorter H. Dividing the pie: A quantitative review on plant density responses. PLANT, CELL & ENVIRONMENT 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] [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.
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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
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3
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Zhang N, Evers JB, Anten NPR, Marcelis LFM. Turning plant interactions upside down: Light signals from below matter. PLANT, CELL & ENVIRONMENT 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] [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.
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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
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Duchemin L, Eloy C, Badel E, Moulia B. Tree crowns grow into self-similar shapes controlled by gravity and light sensing. J R Soc Interface 2019; 15:rsif.2017.0976. [PMID: 29743270 DOI: 10.1098/rsif.2017.0976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2017] [Accepted: 04/19/2018] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Plants have developed different tropisms: in particular, they reorient the growth of their branches towards the light (phototropism) or upwards (gravitropism). How these tropisms affect the shape of a tree crown remains unanswered. We address this question by developing a propagating front model of tree growth. Being length-free, this model leads to self-similar solutions after a long period of time, which are independent of the initial conditions. Varying the intensities of each tropism, different self-similar shapes emerge, including singular ones. Interestingly, these shapes bear similarities to existing tree species. It is concluded that the core of specific crown shapes in trees relies on the balance between tropisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurent Duchemin
- Aix-Marseille University, CNRS, Centrale Marseille, IRPHE, Marseille, France
| | - Christophe Eloy
- Aix-Marseille University, CNRS, Centrale Marseille, IRPHE, Marseille, France
| | - Eric Badel
- UCA, INRA, UMR PIAF, 63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Bruno Moulia
- UCA, INRA, UMR PIAF, 63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
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5
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Gruntman M, Groß D, Májeková M, Tielbörger K. Decision-making in plants under competition. Nat Commun 2017; 8:2235. [PMID: 29269832 PMCID: PMC5740169 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-017-02147-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2017] [Accepted: 11/09/2017] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Plants can plastically respond to light competition in three strategies, comprising vertical growth, which promotes competitive dominance; shade tolerance, which maximises performance under shade; or lateral growth, which offers avoidance of competition. Here, we test the hypothesis that plants can 'choose' between these responses, according to their abilities to competitively overcome their neighbours. We study this hypothesis in the clonal plant Potentilla reptans using an experimental setup that simulates both the height and density of neighbours, thus presenting plants with different light-competition scenarios. Potentilla reptans ramets exhibit the highest vertical growth under simulated short-dense neighbours, highest specific leaf area (leaf area/dry mass) under tall-dense neighbours, and tend to increase total stolon length under tall-sparse neighbours. These responses suggest shifts between 'confrontational' vertical growth, shade tolerance and lateral-avoidance, respectively, and provide evidence that plants adopt one of several alternative plastic responses in a way that optimally corresponds to prevailing light-competition scenarios.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michal Gruntman
- Plant Ecology Group, Institute of Evolution and Ecology, University of Tübingen, Auf der Morgenstelle 5, 72076, Tübingen, Germany.
| | - Dorothee Groß
- Plant Ecology Group, Institute of Evolution and Ecology, University of Tübingen, Auf der Morgenstelle 5, 72076, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Maria Májeková
- Plant Ecology Group, Institute of Evolution and Ecology, University of Tübingen, Auf der Morgenstelle 5, 72076, Tübingen, Germany
- Department of Soil Science, Faculty of Natural Science, Comenius University in Bratislava, Ilkovičova 6, 842 15, Mlynska dolina, Bratislava, Slovak Republic
- Department of Botany, Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, 370 05, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Katja Tielbörger
- Plant Ecology Group, Institute of Evolution and Ecology, University of Tübingen, Auf der Morgenstelle 5, 72076, Tübingen, Germany
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Refuse dumps from leaf-cutting ant nests reduce the intensity of above-ground competition among neighboring plants in a Patagonian steppe. ACTA OECOLOGICA 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.actao.2017.10.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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Hikosaka K. Optimality of nitrogen distribution among leaves in plant canopies. JOURNAL OF PLANT RESEARCH 2016; 129:299-311. [PMID: 27059755 DOI: 10.1007/s10265-016-0824-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2015] [Accepted: 03/30/2016] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
The vertical gradient of the leaf nitrogen content in a plant canopy is one of the determinants of vegetation productivity. The ecological significance of the nitrogen distribution in plant canopies has been discussed in relation to its optimality; nitrogen distribution in actual plant canopies is close to but always less steep than the optimal distribution that maximizes canopy photosynthesis. In this paper, I review the optimality of nitrogen distribution within canopies focusing on recent advancements. Although the optimal nitrogen distribution has been believed to be proportional to the light gradient in the canopy, this rule holds only when diffuse light is considered; the optimal distribution is steeper when the direct light is considered. A recent meta-analysis has shown that the nitrogen gradient is similar between herbaceous and tree canopies when it is expressed as the function of the light gradient. Various hypotheses have been proposed to explain why nitrogen distribution is suboptimal. However, hypotheses explain patterns observed in some specific stands but not in others; there seems to be no general hypothesis that can explain the nitrogen distributions under different conditions. Therefore, how the nitrogen distribution in canopies is determined remains open for future studies; its understanding should contribute to the correct prediction and improvement of plant productivity under changing environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kouki Hikosaka
- Graduate School of Life Sciences, Tohoku University, Aoba, Sendai, 980-8578, Japan.
- CREST, JST, Tokyo, Japan.
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Bonnesoeur V, Constant T, Moulia B, Fournier M. Forest trees filter chronic wind-signals to acclimate to high winds. THE NEW PHYTOLOGIST 2016; 210:850-860. [PMID: 26790391 DOI: 10.1111/nph.13836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2015] [Accepted: 11/27/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Controlled experiments have shown that trees acclimate thigmomorphogenetically to wind-loads by sensing their deformation (strain). However, the strain regime in nature is exposed to a full spectrum of winds. We hypothesized that trees avoid overreacting by responding only to winds which bring information on local climate and/or wind exposure. Additionally, competition for light dependent on tree social status also likely affects thigmomorphogenesis. We monitored and manipulated quantitatively the strain regimes of 15 pairs of beech (Fagus sylvatica) trees of contrasting social status in an acclimated stand, and quantified the effects of these regimes on the radial growth over a vegetative season. Trees exposed to artificial bending, the intensity of which corresponds to the strongest wind-induced strains, enhanced their secondary growth by at least 80%. Surprisingly, this reaction was even greater - relatively - for suppressed trees than for dominant ones. Acclimated trees did not sense the different types of wind events in the same way. Daily wind speed peaks due to thermal winds were filtered out. Thigmomorphogenesis was therefore driven by intense storms. Thigmomorphogenesis is also likely to be involved in determining social status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vivien Bonnesoeur
- UMR 1092 LERFOB, INRA, Champenoux, 54280, France
- UMR 1092 LERFOB, AgroParisTech, Nancy, 54000, France
| | - Thiéry Constant
- UMR 1092 LERFOB, INRA, Champenoux, 54280, France
- UMR 1092 LERFOB, AgroParisTech, Nancy, 54000, France
| | - Bruno Moulia
- UMR 547 PIAF, Clermont Université, Université Blaise Pascal, BP 10448, Clermont-Ferrand, 63000, France
- UMR 547 PIAF, INRA, Clermont-Ferrand, 63100, France
| | - Meriem Fournier
- UMR 1092 LERFOB, INRA, Champenoux, 54280, France
- UMR 1092 LERFOB, AgroParisTech, Nancy, 54000, France
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9
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Optimization and Game Theory in Canopy Models. CANOPY PHOTOSYNTHESIS: FROM BASICS TO APPLICATIONS 2016. [DOI: 10.1007/978-94-017-7291-4_13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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10
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Pierik R, Ballaré CL, Dicke M. Ecology of plant volatiles: taking a plant community perspective. PLANT, CELL & ENVIRONMENT 2014; 37:1845-53. [PMID: 24689452 DOI: 10.1111/pce.12330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2014] [Revised: 02/26/2014] [Accepted: 02/27/2014] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Although plants are sessile organisms, they can modulate their phenotype so as to cope with environmental stresses such as herbivore attack and competition with neighbouring plants. Plant-produced volatile compounds mediate various aspects of plant defence. The emission of volatiles has costs and benefits. Research on the role of plant volatiles in defence has focused primarily on the responses of individual plants. However, in nature, plants rarely occur as isolated individuals but are members of plant communities where they compete for resources and exchange information with other plants. In this review, we address the effects of neighbouring plants on plant volatile-mediated defences. We will outline the various roles of volatile compounds in the interactions between plants and other organisms, address the mechanisms of plant neighbour perception in plant communities, and discuss how neighbour detection and volatile signalling are interconnected. Finally, we will outline the most urgent questions to be addressed in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ronald Pierik
- Plant Ecophysiology, Institute of Environmental Biology, Utrecht University, 3584 CH, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Watari R, Nagashima H, Hirose T. Stem extension and mechanical stability of Xanthium canadense grown in an open or in a dense stand. ANNALS OF BOTANY 2014; 114:179-90. [PMID: 24879768 PMCID: PMC4071106 DOI: 10.1093/aob/mcu088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Plants in open, uncrowded habitats typically have relatively short stems with many branches, whereas plants in crowded habitats grow taller and more slender at the expense of mechanical stability. There seems to be a trade-off between height growth and mechanical stability, and this study addresses how stand density influences stem extension and consequently plant safety margins against mechanical failure. METHODS Xanthium canadense plants were grown either solitarily (S-plants) or in a dense stand (D-plants) until flowering. Internode dimensions and mechanical properties were measured at the metamer level, and the critical buckling height beyond which the plant elastically buckles under its own weight and the maximum lateral wind force the plant can withstand were calculated. KEY RESULTS Internodes were longer in D- than S-plants, but basal diameter did not differ significantly. Relative growth rates of internode length and diameter were negatively correlated to the volumetric solid fraction of the internode. Internode dry mass density was higher in S- than D-plants. Young's modulus of elasticity and the breaking stress were higher in lower metamers, and in D- than in S-plants. Within a stand, however, both moduli were positively related to dry mass density. The buckling safety factor, a ratio of critical buckling height to actual height, was higher in S- than in D-plants. D-plants were found to be approaching the limiting value 1. Lateral wind force resistance was higher in S- than in D-plants, and increased with growth in S-plants. CONCLUSIONS Critical buckling height increased with height growth due mainly to an increase in stem stiffness and diameter and a reduction in crown/stem mass ratio. Lateral wind force resistance was enhanced due to increased tissue strength and diameter. The increase in tissue stiffness and strength with height growth plays a crucial role in maintaining a safety margin against mechanical failure in herbaceous species that lack the capacity for secondary growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryoji Watari
- Department of International Agricultural Development, Tokyo University of Agriculture, Setagaya, Tokyo 156-8502, Japan
| | - Hisae Nagashima
- Department of International Agricultural Development, Tokyo University of Agriculture, Setagaya, Tokyo 156-8502, Japan
| | - Tadaki Hirose
- Department of International Agricultural Development, Tokyo University of Agriculture, Setagaya, Tokyo 156-8502, Japan
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12
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Li Q, Yu P, Chen X, Li G, Zhou D, Zheng W. Facilitative and inhibitory effect of litter on seedling emergence and early growth of six herbaceous species in an early successional old field ecosystem. ScientificWorldJournal 2014; 2014:101860. [PMID: 25110722 PMCID: PMC4106050 DOI: 10.1155/2014/101860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2014] [Accepted: 05/18/2014] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
In the current study, a field experiment was conducted to examine effects of litter on seedling emergence and early growth of four dominant weed species from the early successional stages of old field ecosystem and two perennial grassland species in late successional stages. Our results showed that increased litter cover decreased soil temperature and temperature variability over time and improved soil moisture status. Surface soil electrical conductivity increased as litter increased. The increased litter delayed seedling emergence time and rate. The emergence percentage of seedlings and establishment success rate firstly increased then decreased as litter cover increased. When litter biomass was below 600 g m(-2), litter increased seedlings emergence and establishment success in all species. With litter increasing, the basal diameter of seedling decreased, but seedling height increased. Increasing amounts of litter tended to increase seedling dry weight and stem leaf ratio. Different species responded differently to the increase of litter. Puccinellia tenuiflora and Chloris virgata will acquire more emergence benefits under high litter amount. It is predicted that Chloris virgata will dominate further in this natural succession old field ecosystem with litter accumulation. Artificial P. tenuiflora seeds addition may be required to accelerate old field succession toward matured grassland.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiang Li
- Northeast Institute of Geography and Agroecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 4888 Shengbei Street, Changchun 130102, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Pujia Yu
- Northeast Institute of Geography and Agroecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 4888 Shengbei Street, Changchun 130102, China
| | - Xiaoying Chen
- Northeast Institute of Geography and Agroecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 4888 Shengbei Street, Changchun 130102, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Guangdi Li
- Graham Centre for Agricultural Innovation, and New South Wales Department of Primary Industries, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, NSW 2650, Australia
| | - Daowei Zhou
- Northeast Institute of Geography and Agroecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 4888 Shengbei Street, Changchun 130102, China
| | - Wei Zheng
- Northeast Institute of Geography and Agroecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 4888 Shengbei Street, Changchun 130102, China
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13
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Pierik R, de Wit M. Shade avoidance: phytochrome signalling and other aboveground neighbour detection cues. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BOTANY 2014; 65:2815-24. [PMID: 24323503 DOI: 10.1093/jxb/ert389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 114] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Plants compete with neighbouring vegetation for limited resources. In competition for light, plants adjust their architecture to bring the leaves higher in the vegetation where more light is available than in the lower strata. These architectural responses include accelerated elongation of the hypocotyl, internodes and petioles, upward leaf movement (hyponasty), and reduced shoot branching and are collectively referred to as the shade avoidance syndrome. This review discusses various cues that plants use to detect the presence and proximity of neighbouring competitors and respond to with the shade avoidance syndrome. These cues include light quality and quantity signals, mechanical stimulation, and plant-emitted volatile chemicals. We will outline current knowledge about each of these signals individually and discuss their possible interactions. In conclusion, we will make a case for a whole-plant, ecophysiology approach to identify the relative importance of the various neighbour detection cues and their possible interactions in determining plant performance during competition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ronald Pierik
- Plant Ecophysiology, Institute of Environmental Biology, Utrecht University, Padualaan 8, 3584 CH Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Mieke de Wit
- Centre for Integrative Genomics, University of Lausanne, CH-1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
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14
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Huber H, de Brouwer J, von Wettberg EJ, During HJ, Anten NPR. More cells, bigger cells or simply reorganization? Alternative mechanisms leading to changed internode architecture under contrasting stress regimes. THE NEW PHYTOLOGIST 2014; 201:193-204. [PMID: 24033342 DOI: 10.1111/nph.12474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2012] [Accepted: 07/29/2013] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
Shading and mechanical stress (MS) modulate plant architecture by inducing different developmental pathways. Shading results in increased stem elongation, often reducing whole-plant mechanical stability, while MS inhibits elongation, with a concomitant increase in stability. Here, we examined how these organ-level responses are related to patterns and processes at the cellular level by exposing Impatiens capensis to shading and MS. Shading led to the production of narrower cells along the vertical axis. By contrast, MS led to the production of fewer, smaller and broader cells. These responses to treatments were largely in line with genetic differences found among plants from open and closed canopy sites. Shading- and MS-induced plastic responses in cellular characteristics were negatively correlated: genotypes that were more responsive to shading were less responsive to MS and vice versa. This negative correlation, however, did not scale to mechanical and architectural traits. Our data show how environmental conditions elicit distinctly different associations between characteristics at the cellular level, plant morphology and biomechanics. The evolution of optimal response to different environmental cues may be limited by negative correlations of stress-induced responses at the cellular level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heidrun Huber
- Department of Experimental Plant Ecology, Institute for Water and Wetland Research, Radboud University Nijmegen, Heyendaalseweg 135, 6525, AJ Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Jan de Brouwer
- Freshwater Ecology, Centre for Ecosystem Studies, Alterra Wageningen UR, PO Box 47, 6700, AA Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Eric J von Wettberg
- Department of Biological Sciences, Florida International University, Miami, FL, 33199, USA
- Kushlan Institute for Tropical Science, Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, Coral Gables, FL, 33156, USA
| | - Heinjo J During
- Section of Ecology and Biodiversity, Institute of Environmental Biology, Utrecht University, PO Box 80084, 3508, TB Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Niels P R Anten
- Section of Ecology and Biodiversity, Institute of Environmental Biology, Utrecht University, PO Box 80084, 3508, TB Utrecht, the Netherlands
- Centre for Crop Systems Analysis, Wageningen University, PO Box 430, 6700, AK Wageningen, the Netherlands
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