Ecologists’ roles in a dynamic and diverse decadal vision for the plant sciences, 2020-2030

"Diversity is the spice of life" (to paraphrase William Cowper, 1785). Much of modern ecology grew up around the study of plants, and ecology needs to be interwoven in the future of plant sciences. Diversity of genetics, biochemistry, physiology, form, and function is essential to ecosystem function, and forms the basis for agriculture, horticulture, and forestry. This diversity is more important than ever in the face of a rapidly changing environment. Diverse groups of people working together across cultural and intellectual boundaries will find better solutions to complex problems. Ecologists and plant scientists - meet these challenges together!