Root competition influences pollen competitive ability in Viola tricolor: effects of presence of a competitor beyond resource availability?

6. Synthesis. The results of this study indicate the presence of a competitor on pollen competitive ability beyond the effect of nutrients. Even though the underlying mechanism needs to be explored further, the detected link between pollen competition and soil competition suggests a phenomenon well worth investigating. Further studies may lead to increased understanding of the evolutionary consequences of selection operating in response to interactions with neighbours.