Belowground-aboveground interactions
Background
Plants are frequently attacked by both above- and belowground arthropod herbivores. Nevertheless, studies rarely consider root and shoot herbivory in conjunction. Using cotton as a model plant we were the first to show that root-feeding herbivores may change the level and distribution of direct and indirect plant defenses aboveground with strong implications for the behaviour and performance of aboveground herbivores and their antagonists. This phenomenon represents an important novel mechanism that links belowground and aboveground organisms. Our results underline the importance of addressing interactions between roots and shoots if we want to understand how plants function and interact with their environment.
Publications
- Wäckers, F.L., Bezemer, T.M. (2003). Root herbivory induces an indirect aboveground defense. Ecology Letters 6: 9-12.
- Bezemer, T.M., Wagenaar, R., van Dam, N.M., Wäckers, F.L. (2003). Interactions between above- and belowground insect herbivores as mediated by the plant defense system. Oikos 101:555-562.