Maternal effects on tree phenotypes: considering the microbiome

Maria Vivas; Martin Kemler; Bernard Slippers

doi:10.1016/j.tplants.2015.06.002

Maternal effects on tree phenotypes: considering the microbiome

Trends Plant Sci. 2015 Sep;20(9):541-4. doi: 10.1016/j.tplants.2015.06.002. Epub 2015 Jun 26.

Authors

Maria Vivas¹, Martin Kemler², Bernard Slippers²

Affiliations

¹ Department of Genetics, Forestry, and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI), University of Pretoria, Private Bag X20, Hatfield, Pretoria 0028, South Africa. Electronic address: maria.vivas@fabi.up.ac.za.
² Department of Genetics, Forestry, and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI), University of Pretoria, Private Bag X20, Hatfield, Pretoria 0028, South Africa.

PMID: 26124001
DOI: 10.1016/j.tplants.2015.06.002

Abstract

The biotic and abiotic environmental experience of plants can influence the offspring without any changes in DNA sequence. These effects can modulate the development of the progeny and their interaction with microorganisms. This interaction includes fungal endophytic communities which have significant effects on trees and their associated ecosystems. In this opinion article, we highlight potential maternal mechanisms through which endophytes could influence the progeny. We argue that a better understanding of these interactions might help to predict the response of trees to stress conditions and enhance the efficiency of tree breeding programs.

Keywords: endophytes; epigenetic; maternal environment; microbiome.

Publication types

Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
Review

MeSH terms

Endophytes / physiology*
Fungi / physiology*
Microbiota*
Phenotype
Plant Breeding
Stress, Physiological
Trees / genetics
Trees / microbiology*
Trees / physiology*