tree interaction

[NorthcountryBOY]

Has anyone come across a process known as photocooperation between neighbouring tree roots that graft together and swap characteristics sometimes producing synchronous spring shoot growth? I have to write an essay on it and cannot seem to find any information about it

[Dorts]

Hi, welcome to WAB. A most interesting area of reasearch.

If there is such a study that shows that accidental root grafts can cause changes in the normal behaviour of two different species of trees, I also would be interested to see it, but have not come across such a study myself. Hopefully someone else has and can help.

I have seen many occasions where this has occured above ground with both same and different species of trees. A long term study in such cases would be required to determine whether there is any benefit or affect to either individuals in such cases, either to one or both partners.

Below ground examples where roots have grafted together no doubt happen quite frequently, but go un-noticed. I have only come across this in a garden environment where small trees and shrubs have been dug-up and their roots have been found grafted together. Again, having gone un-noticed, it is impossible to drawn any conclusions as to anything mutual or detrimental.

I would suggest that a controlled experiment would be required to draw any conclusions from such 'mutualism'. I think the benefits could vary depending on species involved, and in some cases such conditions could be detrimental to one species.
It is perfectly possible by sharing of growth hormones in the spring, it could affect one or other species, and that the earlier species could well prompt the other into earlier growth.

Protocooperation is of course very common in the animal and plant world such as ants and aphids, bees and flowers etc.

You may want to try East Malling Research in Kent or the Forestry Commission at Alice Holt, Farnham, Surrey.

All the best.
Dorts.