Investigating the role of plant volatiles in plant-plant competition

Thesis Abstract

This project aims to investigate the role of plant volatiles in plant-plant competition. Plant volatiles are chemical compounds released by plants that can influence the growth, development, and interactions of neighboring plants. While previous studies have demonstrated the importance of plant volatiles in plant-insect and plant-microbe interactions, their role in plant-plant competition remains less explored. Through a combination of laboratory experiments and field observations, this study will examine how different plant volatiles affect competitive interactions between plant species. We will investigate the effects of volatiles on various aspects of competition, including resource acquisition, growth rates, and reproductive success. The findings from this research will enhance our understanding of the complex chemical signaling networks involved in plant-plant interactions and may have implications for sustainable agriculture and ecosystem management.