Linking above- and belowground multitrophic interactions of plants, herbivores, pathogens, and their antagonists

W.H. van der Putten*, L.E.M. Vet, J.A. Harvey, F.L. Wäckers

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

467 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Plants function in a complex multitrophic environment. Most multitrophic studies, however, have almost exclusively focused on aboveground interactions, generally neglecting the fact that above- and belowground organisms interact. The spatial and temporal dynamics of above- and belowground herbivores, plant pathogens, and their antagonists, can differ in space and time. This affects the temporal interaction strengths and impacts of above- and belowground higher trophic level organisms on plants. Combining both above- and belowground compartments in studies of multitrophic interactions throughout the life cycle of plants will improve our understanding of ecology and evolution in the real world.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)547-554
JournalTrends in Ecology and Evolution
Volume16
Issue number10
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2001
Externally publishedYes

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