Eutrophication Eutrophication Eutrophication (from Greek "eutrophos", "well-nourished"), or hypertrophication, is when a body of water becomes overly enriched with minerals and nutrients that induce excessive growth of plants and algae. This process may result in oxygen depletion of the water body. One example is the "bloom" or great increase of phytoplankton in a water body as a response to increased levels of nutrients. Eutrophication is almost always induced by the discharge of nitrate or phosphate-containing detergents, fertilizers, or sewage into an aquatic system. Eutrophication arises from the oversupply of nutrients, which leads to overgrowth of plants and algae. After such organisms
Plant to plant communication via mycorrhizal networks Plant to plant communication via mycorrhizal networks Plant to plant communication via mycorrhizal networks refers to connections through mycorrhizal networks that facilitate communication between plants of the same or different species. Mycorrhizal networks allow for the transfers of signals and cues between plants which influence the behavior of the connected plants by inducing morphological or physiological changes. The chemical substances which act as these signals and cues are referred to as infochemicals. These can be allelochemicals, defensive chemicals or nutrients. Allelochemicals are used by plants to interfere with the growth or development of other plants or organisms, defensive chemicals can