Multiannual effects of induced plant defenses: Are defended plants good or bad neighbors?

Defenses induced by herbivore feeding or phytohormones such as methyl jasmonate (MeJA) can affect growth, reproduction, and herbivory, not only on the affected individual but also in its neighboring plants. Here, we report multiannual defense, growth, and reproductive responses of MeJA-treated bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus) and neighboring ramets. In a boreal forest in western Norway, we treated bilberry ramets with MeJA and water (control) and...