Effects of positive interactions, size symmetry of competition and abiotic stress on self-thinning in simulated plant populations.
Ann Bot
; 106(4): 647-52, 2010 Oct.
Article
en En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-20643802
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND AND AIMS:
Competition drives self-thinning (density-dependent mortality) in crowded plant populations. Facilitative interactions have been shown to affect many processes in plant populations and communities, but their effects on self-thinning trajectories have not been investigated.METHODS:
Using an individual-based 'zone-of-influence' model, we studied the potential effects of the size symmetry of competition, abiotic stress and facilitation on self-thinning trajectories in plant monocultures. In the model, abiotic stress reduced the growth of all individuals and facilitation ameliorated the effects of stress on interacting individuals. KEYRESULTS:
Abiotic stress made the log biomass-log density relationship during self-thinning steeper, but this effect was reduced by positive interactions among individuals. Size-asymmetric competition also influenced the self-thinning slope.CONCLUSIONS:
Although competition drives self-thinning, its course can be affected by abiotic stress, facilitation and competitive symmetry.
Texto completo:
1
Bases de datos:
MEDLINE
Asunto principal:
Plantas
/
Ecosistema
/
Desarrollo de la Planta
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Ann Bot
Año:
2010
Tipo del documento:
Article
País de afiliación:
China