Breeding Beyond Monoculture: Putting the “Intercrop” Into Crops

• Published in: Frontiers in plant science Vol. 12; p. 734167
• Main Authors: Bourke, Peter M., Evers, Jochem B., Bijma, Piter, van Apeldoorn, Dirk F., Smulders, Marinus J. M., Kuyper, Thomas W., Mommer, Liesje, Bonnema, Guusje
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Frontiers Media S.A 18.11.2021
• Subjects: functional–structural plant modeling; indirect genetic effects; intercropping; mycorrhiza; plant breeding; Plant Science; plant–plant interactions

Intercropping is both a well-established and yet novel agricultural practice, depending on one’s perspective. Such perspectives are principally governed by geographic location and whether monocultural practices predominate. Given the negative environmental effects of monoculture agriculture (loss of...