The Genetics of Plant–Plant Interactions and Their Cascading Effects on Agroecosystems—from Model Plants to Applications

Summary

This review synthesises emerging genetic approaches to understanding plant–plant interactions (PPI) in agricultural and natural systems, drawing on genome-wide association studies and proof-of-concept experiments in Arabidopsis thaliana. The authors demonstrate that genetic variation among neighbouring plants can be leveraged through breeding to optimise mixture productivity and enhance integrated pest management via push–pull systems, with potential cascading effects on plant-associated organisms. The paper argues that expanded genomic resources will enable more targeted crop breeding for competitive reduction and ecosystem functioning improvements.

UK applicability

The genetic principles and breeding approaches identified may be applicable to UK arable and horticultural systems, particularly for reducing interplant competition and designing more resilient genotype mixtures. However, the review's use of Arabidopsis as a model organism means field validation in UK crop species and agroclimatic conditions would be necessary before practical implementation.

Key measures

Genome-wide association study findings; genotype mixture productivity; herbivory resistance; disease resistance; cascading effects on plant-associated organisms at population and community levels

Outcomes reported

The study synthesises genetic mapping approaches to plant–plant interactions and presents proof-of-concept experiments demonstrating that genetic differences among neighbouring plants can optimise genotype mixture productivity and enhance disease and herbivory resistance. It examines cascading effects of these interactions on plant-associated organisms across multiple biological levels.

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