Family ties – root-root communications within the Solanaceae

Family ties – root-root communications within the Solanaceae
Competition is a key factor affecting plants. The ability to differentiate between the roots of the same individual and other individuals may reduce the allocation of self/non-self-competition and allow greater availability of resources for other functions, including higher reproductive outputs. We aim to explore root communications within the Solanaceae family crops [Tomatoes, and Bell pepper ] under different degrees of relatedness (DOR). A rhizoslide experiment was conducted to investigate responses of (DOR), based on changes in carbon allocation patterns vectored by roots, shoots, rhizodeposits, and respiration. Overall, the study revealed that tomatoes are a 'costly' neighbor to bell pepper, especially under salinity, whereas bell pepper is a 'benefit' neighbor in increasing tomatoes performance, however, it still differs for each tomato. Future studies will include testing our results in pot and field studies and examining the roles of roots vs shoots by using grafted plants. Our findings will contribute to choosing good neighboring plants in dryland agriculture with newly developed neighbors' plants.
Student’s contribution
We carried out the experimental design of the study after discussing it with the supervisor and performed the experiment. I participated in sampling, measuring plant growth and development, and performing statistical analysis.