Abstract
Summary Experiments were conducted on the role of intra‐ and inter‐genotypic competition in ecological processes operating at the population scale in diseased plant populations.Combinations of Arabidopsis thaliana genotypes showing variation for phenotypic traits relating to competitive ability and pathogen compatibility were infected with the oomycete Hyaloperonospora arabidopsidis and Turnip yellows virus in separate experiments. Plant fitness and competitive ability were estimated from phenotypic measurements.Pathogen‐induced reduction in competitive ability for susceptible genotypes increased the competitive ability of resistant genotypes, resulting in maintenance of yield via competitive release. The two diseases had different effects on competitive interactions between plants. In experiments involving the oomycete, the highest yields were produced by mixtures of two weakly competing genotypes.The Arabidopsis model system has elucidated the ecological processes by which compensatory competitive interactions can increase the buffering capacity of plant populations under pathogen attack. Highly competitive genotypes may not maximize the productivity of the population as a whole, as they may over‐yield at the expense of less competitive, more productive genotypes. The specific outcomes of competitive interactions cannot be generalized because they depend on the disease and the host genotypes.
Highlights
The relationship between plant diversity, ecological stability and ecosystem productivity is of great importance to natural systems
Combinations of Arabidopsis thaliana genotypes showing variation for phenotypic traits relating to competitive ability and pathogen compatibility were infected with the oomycete Hyaloperonospora arabidopsidis and Turnip yellows virus in separate experiments
Plant fitness and competitive ability were estimated from phenotypic measurements
Summary
The relationship between plant diversity, ecological stability and ecosystem productivity is of great importance to natural systems Plant pathogens alter such relationships by affecting plant fitness, reducing the growth and competitive ability of diseased plants which can impact heavily upon plant population and community structure (Burdon, Thrall & Ericson 2006; Bradley, Gilbert & Martiny 2008; Maron et al 2011; Latz et al 2012). Studies investigating the effect of biodiversity on the system’s ability to buffer against disease have been largely observational; for example, increased species richness reduces disease caused by foliar and soil borne pathogens and increases productivity in grassland communities (Allan, van Ruijven & Crawley 2010; Maron et al 2011). Theory predicts that increased stability can be achieved through resistance to change or by recovery after perturbation (Pimm 1984)
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
