Plant biomass allocation advances our understanding of plant adaptation to environmental gradients: a commentary on 'Contrasting biomass allocations explain adaptations to cold and drought in the world's highest-growing angiosperms'.

The article discusses the concept of biomass allocation in plants and its role in plant adaptation to environmental gradients. It presents two main theories, the optimal partitioning theory (OPT) and the allometric partitioning theory (APT), which explain how plants allocate biomass to different organs based on resource availability. The article highlights empirical evidence supporting both theories and emphasizes the need for further research at smaller, regional scales. A specific study in the Himalayas is mentioned, which found deviations from the APT and suggests that the OPT better reflects plants' adaptation to their specific environments. The article concludes by discussing the relevance of considering biomass allocation in managing and restoring ecosystems, particularly in response to drought. [Extracted from the article]

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