On plant sectoriality, or how to combine the benefits of autonomy and integration

Plant sectoriality implies physiological subdivision of physically coherent plant structures. It is largely determined by vascular structure. Sectorial transport of carbon assimilates, mineral nutrients, water or hormones may be an essential component of plant phenotype in ecological interactions. Most studies of sectoriality have focussed on its effects on plant growth, resource allocation and herbivory. Since sectoriality allows semiautonomous reactions to environmental stimuli to be displayed by different plant parts, it also needs to be considered in discussions of selfishness vs. altruism of plant parts. Future lines of research should include analysis of the genetic basis of sectoriality, investigations into root sectoriality and its effects, studies of the impacts of sectoriality on plant life histories, and analyses of intra- and interpopulation variation in traits related to sectoriality.