Linking above- and belowground multitrophic interactions of plants, herbivores, pathogens, and their antagonists

Plants function in a complex multitrophic environment. Most multitrophic st udies, however, have almost exclusively focused on aboveground interactions , generally neglecting the fact that above- and belowground organisms inter act. The spatial and temporal dynamics of above- and belowground herbivores , plant pathogens, and their antagonists, can differ in space and time. Thi s affects the temporal interaction strengths and impacts of above- and belo wground higher trophic level organisms on plants. Combining both above- and belowground compartments in studies of multitrophic interactions throughou t the life cycle of plants will improve our understanding of ecology and ev olution in the real world.