Weed-induced changes in sunflower transcriptome.. Helianthus annuus

This study was designed to examine the impact of above- and below-ground signals by which weeds (in this case winter canola) on sunflower growth, development, and physiology. Specifically, sunflowers were grown in pots with pr without 4 additional canola plants. These plants were either grown inside conetainers which prevented any root-to-root contact between the sunflower and the canola. Additionally the sunflowers were also grown with or without an above-ground barrier (an opaque cone about 60 cm in diameter and about 70 cm tall) that prevented any light quality signal generated by the canola from impacting the sunflower growth and development.