Identity Recognition of Plant Root System, Its Function and Mechanisms

Abstract:

Some plants are more likely to border upon close relative plants, as the dispersal distances of their propagules are usually limited. In this condition, the ability of plant detecting and responding the identity of its neighbors efficiently and properly would play a crucial role in the course of plant interactions. Kin selection theory predicted that plants with close kinship could reduce or avoid interference and competition effectively through kin recognition and kin selection, thus increase their fitness. The ability of self/non-self recognition and kin recognition of plant roots, and their roles and possible mechanisms were reviewed. Some doubts and unsolved problems in this field were pointed out and discussed. The study direction of plant identity recognition in plant ecological research was prospected.

Key words:Kin selection theory;Self/non-self recognition;Kin recognition;Root;Plant