Origins of the seed microbiome in apple
We address the knowledge gap on the origins of the seed microbiome by disentangling the relative contributions of sexual pathways (via pollen sacs and ovaries) and asexual pathways (via shoot endophytes). By comparing microbial diversity and composition across shoots, floral organs, and mature seeds, we identify the main sources of seed-associated microbes and evaluate whether different taxa are preferentially transmitted through sexual or asexual routes. Understanding the origins of the seed microbiome is essential for improving seed health and offers opportunities to enhance crop resilience and productivity through microbiome-informed breeding strategies. The sequencing was done at TU Graz, Institute of Environmental Biotechnology, Graz, Austria.