Advances and prospects in plant symmetric and asymmetric competition

doi:10.17521/cjpe.2015.0051

Abstract

Abstract:

Competition among plant individuals is a critical process within a population and community and has long been a research focus in ecology, with particular attention on aboveground competition during growing seasons. The belowground competition of plant roots is equally-important, especially under water and nutrition stresses. Yet, our theoretical foundations for understanding the similarities and differences on belowground vs. aboveground completions remain immature. In this paper, we review up-to-date concepts and the understanding of aboveground and belowground competitions, summarize the relevant theories and associated conceptual frameworks, and present ways for testing these models for symmetric/asymmetric competitions. Additionally, we discussed the major variables involved in these processes and models. Finally, we shared our views on modeling competition for advancing ecological research in the future.

Key words: competition, concept, asymmetric, symmetric, environmental stress

CHEN Ren-Fei,JI Ming-Fei,GUAN Jia-Wei,DENG Jian-Ming. Advances and prospects in plant symmetric and asymmetric competition[J]. Chin J Plan Ecolo, 2015, 39(5): 530-540.

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URL: https://www.plant-ecology.com/EN/10.17521/cjpe.2015.0051

https://www.plant-ecology.com/EN/Y2015/V39/I5/530

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