Effect of Higher Ethylene Levels Emitted by Shade-Avoider Plants on Neighboring Seedlings.

Plants of several species, including crops, change their volatilome when exposed to a low ratio of red to far-red light (low R/FR) that informs about the presence of nearby plants (i.e., proximity shade).

Temporal and spatial frameworks supporting plant responses to vegetation proximity.

After the perception of vegetation proximity by phytochrome photoreceptors, shade-avoider plants initiate a set of responses known as the shade avoidance syndrome (SAS). Shade perception by the phytochrome B (phyB) photoreceptor unleashes the PHYTOCHROME INTERACTING FACTORs and initiates SAS responses. In Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) seedlings, shade perception involves rapid and massive changes in gene expression, increases auxin production, and promotes hypocotyl elongation.