Bacterial leaf symbiosis – Origin, function, evolutionary gain, and transmission mode of endophytes in bacteriophilous Rubiaceae

Interactions between plants and symbiotic microorganisms are one of the most widespread and prevalent mutualisms on Earth. Most research focuses on plant-bacteria interactions with immediate applications. Although not illogical, such narrow focus has the inherent risk of ignoring associations that might prove beneficial in the future. In Rubiaceae, several species interact with Burkholderia bacteria that are present in the leaves. Basic knowledge such as the identity of the symbiotic partners is known, yet, the advantages provided by the bacteria to the hosts remain enigmatic. The objectives of this proposal are (i) to compare bacteria-free phenotypes with the natural state thereby indicating possible functions of the endophytes, (ii) to investigate how endophytes are transmitted to the next plant generation and whether host plants are capable of selecting specific endophytes, and (iii) to determine the effect of endophytes on the diversification rate of the host plants. The cultivation of bacteria-free plants and the evaluation of their phenotype will provide insights into the benefits of the symbiosis and will clarify whether the interaction is of an obligatory or facultative nature. Through inoculation experiments, the either vertical or horizontal transmission of the endophytes will be examined. Furthermore, the effect of the symbiosis on the diversification rate of the host plants will be tested by comparing clades with and without endophytes.

Jaar van publicatie:2020

Toegankelijkheid:Open