XVI International Botanical Congess

Plants are complex and dynamic substrates for many organisms. Some ofthe organisms damage their hosts and this inevitably modifies subsequent morphogenesis and architecture of the plants. Compensatory growth and production of induced defenses are common responses. The exact effect depends on the timing, intensity and topological position of the damage: whether it occurs early or late in plant development, whether a large or small proportion of tissue is killed, and whether the tissue is in leaves, roots or buds. Virtual plants can help us to explore the complex spatio-temporal dynamics involved. Animated computer graphics generated by L-system models will be presented to illustrate interactions involving insects, plant pathogens, pesticides, crop plants, weeds and trees.