Research progress on plant functional traits in agroecosystems

Ying Yong Sheng Tai Xue Bao. 2023 Nov;34(11):3144-3156. doi: 10.13287/j.1001-9332.202311.010.

Abstract

Plant functional traits have an essential role in community formation and ecosystem function. Unlike natu-ral ecosystems, agroecosystems are affected by natural conditions and human management. Plant (i.e., crop)functional traits in the agroecosystems are thus shaped by natural and human selection. We reviewed the development of functional trait research, focusing on crop functional traits, research methods of agroecosystems based on traits, and the application of functional traits in agriculture. We then elaborated on the effect of domestication on crop trait trade-offs, the relationship between community functional structure and agroecosystem services, and the application of functional traits in weed management, cover cropping, and intercropping systems. Future research directions of crop functional traits include enriching the types of agroecosystems and crop species in studies, buil-ding up a crop functional trait database, and focusing on agroecosystem multifunctionality.

植物功能性状对群落形成和生态系统功能有重要影响,与自然生态系统不同,农业生态系统受自然条件和人工管理的共同影响,植物(即作物)功能性状是自然选择和人工选择的结果。本文聚焦作物功能性状特征,基于性状的农业生态系统研究方法,以及功能性状在农业中的应用3个方面,回顾了功能性状研究发展历程,阐述了驯化对作物性状权衡的影响,群落功能结构与农业生态系统服务的关系,以及农田杂草管理、覆盖作物和间作系统中功能性状的应用。指出将更多的农业生态系统和作物种类纳入研究、建立作物功能性状数据库和注重农业生态系统的多功能性是未来作物功能性状的研究方向。.

Keywords: cover crop; ecosystem function and service; intercropping.; trait trade-off; weed.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Agriculture / methods
  • Crops, Agricultural* / genetics
  • Ecosystem*
  • Humans