Resource Allocation in Flowering Plants: Concept and Implications

Abstract

The concept of resource allocation envisages that every organism partitions its resources to the competing activities of growth, maintenance, and reproduction. Studies conducted on flowering plants have revealed this partitioning to be plastic and regulated by life-history patterns and breeding system of the species. Plasticity in resource allocation can contribute to the outcomes of sex differentiation in higher plants. Besides, plants also compete for resources such as light and nutrients and competitive ability also has a bearing on resource allotment to different parts. There is a trade-off of resources in terms of investment in reproductive effort and fitness. Studies on resource mobilization in plants that are facing biotic as well as abiotic stress have revealed that photo-assimilatory pathways have an important role. Computed data have helped in developing predictive models for resource distribution that will help in the management of various crop species.