The ecological role of interactions between plants in agroecosystems

Abstract

Modern agricultural production considers intensive use of agro-technology and chemical agents, which in addition to multiple benefits, results in loss of diversity. One of the methods for improvement of ecological interactions within the agroecosystem is increasing the diversity of cultivated plants. Previous studies have shown the impact of diversification of crops on pest populations in agricultural agroecosystems and demonstrated how certain techniques such as intercropping, can significantly affect the control of herbivores. This paper presents the influence and the role of intercropping in suppression of pests, weeds and diseases. According to the data presented, it is evident that, by using intercropping, multiple beneficial effects for the plant populations can be achieved, followed by development of resistance mechanisms, as well as production of compounds with suppressive effects on overall plants pathogens, weeds and pests.

Keywords

• intercropping
• plant resistance
• diseases
• pests
• weeds