title: Maternal effects on tree phenotypes: considering the microbiome.
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.
authors.affiliation: 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.
authors.forename: Maria
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Vivas
authors.affiliation: Department of Genetics, Forestry, and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI), University of Pretoria, Private Bag X20, Hatfield, Pretoria 0028, South Africa.
authors.forename: Martin
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Kemler
authors.affiliation: Department of Genetics, Forestry, and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI), University of Pretoria, Private Bag X20, Hatfield, Pretoria 0028, South Africa.
authors.forename: Bernard
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Slippers
mesh_terms: D060026:Endophytes / Q000502:physiology*; D005658:Fungi / Q000502:physiology*; D064307:Microbiota; D010641:Phenotype; D000069600:Plant Breeding; D013312:Stress, Physiological; D014197:Trees / Q000235:genetics / Q000382:microbiology* / Q000502:physiology*
keywords: endophytes; epigenetic; maternal environment; microbiome