Many studies have indicated that plant modulate their performance and fitness depending on the identity of their neighbouring plants. Not only plants can recognize the presence of individuals from different species, but they can also detect whether a conspecific neighbour is a kin (i.e. closely related) or a stranger.

This mechanism of neighbour recognition is thought to have an important role in structuring intraspecific interactions, and eventually community assembly. However, what exact the mechanism allows for plants to identify their neighbours is unclear.

In this project we test whether plants can detect the identity of their neighbour via leaching of exudates from their roots. To do so we monitor whether the growth patterns of roots change depending on the identity of a plant’s neighbour. We also test whether the exudates produced by single plant roots have a unique chemical footprint that allows for individual recognition.