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Herrera CM. Plant Phenotypes as Distributions: Johannsen's Beans Revisited. Am Nat 2024; 203:219-229. [PMID: 38306280 DOI: 10.1086/727966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2024]
Abstract
AbstractIn the early twentieth century, Wilhelm Johannsen's breeding experiments on pure lines of beans provided empirical support for his groundbreaking distinction between phenotype and genotype, the foundation stone of classical genetics. In contrast with the controversial history of the genotype concept, the notion of phenotype has remained essentially unrevised since then. The application of the Johannsenian concept of phenotype to modularly built, nonunitary plants, however, needs reexamination. In the first part of this article it is shown that Johannsen's appealing solution for dealing with the multiplicity of nonidentical organs produced by plant individuals (representing individual plant phenotypes by arithmetic means), which has persisted to this day, reflected his intellectual commitment to nineteenth-century typological thinking. Revisitation of Johannsen's results using current statistical tools upholds his major conclusion about the nature of heredity but at the same time falsifies two important ancillary conclusions of his experiments-namely, the alleged homogeneity of pure lines (genotypes) regarding seed weight variability and the lack of transgenerational effects of within-line (within-genotype) seed weight variation. The canonical notion of individual plant phenotypes as arithmetic means should therefore be superseded by a concept of phenotype as a dual property, consisting of central tendency and variability components of organ trait distribution. Phenotype duality offers a unifying framework applicable to all nonunitary organisms.
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Møller C, March-Salas M, Kuppler J, De Frenne P, Scheepens JF. Intra-individual variation in Galium odoratum is affected by experimental drought and shading. ANNALS OF BOTANY 2023; 131:411-422. [PMID: 36546703 PMCID: PMC10072115 DOI: 10.1093/aob/mcac148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Climate-change induced warmer spring temperatures advance tree leaf-out and result in earlier shading of the forest floor. Climate change also leads to more frequent droughts. Forest understorey herbs may respond to these environmental changes by varying traits at different hierarchical levels of organization. While trait mean variation at the inter-individual level in response to environmental changes is well-studied, little is known about how variation at the intra-individual level responds. METHODS We sampled genets of the forest understorey herb Galium odoratum from 21 populations in three regions in Germany, varying in microclimatic conditions. The genets were transplanted into a common garden, where we applied shading and drought treatments. We measured plant height and leaf length and width, and calculated the coefficient of variation (CV) at different hierarchical levels: intra-population, intra-genet, intra-ramet and intra-shoot. KEY RESULTS Variance partitioning showed that intra-shoot CV represented most of the total variation, followed by intra-ramet CV. We found significant variation in CV of plant height and leaf width among populations of origin, indicating that CV is at least partly genetically based. The soil temperature at populations' origins correlated negatively with CV in plant height, suggesting adaptation to local conditions. Furthermore, we observed that early shade led to increased intra-ramet CV in leaf length, while drought reduced intra-shoot CV in leaf width. Finally, intra-shoot leaf width mean and CV were independent under control conditions but correlated under drought. CONCLUSIONS Our experimental results reveal correlations of intra-individual variation with soil temperature, indicating that intra-individual variation can evolve and may be adaptive. Intra-individual variation responded plastically to drought and shading, suggesting functional changes to improve light capture and reduce evapotranspiration. In conclusion, intra-individual variation makes up the majority of total trait variation in this species and can play a key role in plant adaptation to climatic change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte Møller
- Plant Evolutionary Ecology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Goethe University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Str. 13, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Martí March-Salas
- Plant Evolutionary Ecology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Goethe University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Str. 13, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Jonas Kuppler
- Institute of Evolutionary Ecology and Conservation Genomics, Ulm University, Albert-Einstein-Allee 11, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Pieter De Frenne
- Forest & Nature Lab, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Geraardsbergsesteenweg 267, 9090 Gontrode, Belgium
| | - J F Scheepens
- Plant Evolutionary Ecology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Goethe University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Str. 13, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
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Herrera CM, Bazaga P, Pérez R, Alonso C. Lifetime genealogical divergence within plants leads to epigenetic mosaicism in the shrub Lavandula latifolia (Lamiaceae). THE NEW PHYTOLOGIST 2021; 231:2065-2076. [PMID: 33634863 DOI: 10.1111/nph.17257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2020] [Accepted: 02/01/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Epigenetic mosaicism is a possible source of within-plant phenotypic heterogeneity, yet its frequency and developmental origin remain unexplored. This study examines whether extant epigenetic heterogeneity within Lavandula latifolia (Lamiaceae) shrubs reflects recent epigenetic modifications experienced independently by different plant parts or, alternatively, it is the cumulative outcome of a steady lifetime process. Leaf samples from different architectural modules (branch tips) were collected from three L. latifolia plants and characterized epigenetically by global DNA cytosine methylation and methylation state of methylation-sensitive amplified fragment-length polymorphism (MS-AFLP) markers. Epigenetic characteristics of modules were then assembled with information on the branching history of plants. Methods borrowed from phylogenetic research were used to assess genealogical signal of extant epigenetic variation and reconstruct within-plant genealogical trajectory of epigenetic traits. Plants were epigenetically heterogeneous, as shown by differences among modules in global DNA methylation and variation in the methylation states of 6 to 8% of MS-AFLP markers. All epigenetic features exhibited significant genealogical signal within plants. Events of epigenetic divergence occurred throughout the lifespan of individuals and were subsequently propagated by branch divisions. Internal epigenetic diversification of L. latifolia individuals took place steadily during their development, a process which eventually led to persistent epigenetic mosaicism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos M Herrera
- Estación Biológica de Doñana, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Avda. Américo Vespucio 26, Sevilla, E-41092, Spain
| | - Pilar Bazaga
- Estación Biológica de Doñana, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Avda. Américo Vespucio 26, Sevilla, E-41092, Spain
| | - Ricardo Pérez
- Instituto de Investigaciones Químicas, Centro de Investigaciones Científicas Isla de La Cartuja, CSIC-US, Avda. Américo Vespucio 49, Sevilla, E-41092, Spain
| | - Conchita Alonso
- Estación Biológica de Doñana, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Avda. Américo Vespucio 26, Sevilla, E-41092, Spain
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Wetzel WC. Plants as epigenetic mosaics: harnessing variability to thrive in a variable world. THE NEW PHYTOLOGIST 2021; 231:1667-1669. [PMID: 34137043 DOI: 10.1111/nph.17476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- William C Wetzel
- Departments of Entomology and Integrative Biology, Plant Resilience Institute, Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA
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Gianella M, Bradford KJ, Guzzon F. Ecological, (epi)genetic and physiological aspects of bet-hedging in angiosperms. PLANT REPRODUCTION 2021; 34:21-36. [PMID: 33449209 PMCID: PMC7902588 DOI: 10.1007/s00497-020-00402-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2020] [Accepted: 12/28/2020] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
KEY MESSAGE Bet-hedging is a complex evolutionary strategy involving morphological, eco-physiological, (epi)genetic and population dynamics aspects. We review these aspects in flowering plants and propose further research needed for this topic. Bet-hedging is an evolutionary strategy that reduces the temporal variance in fitness at the expense of a lowered arithmetic mean fitness. It has evolved in organisms subjected to variable cues from the external environment, be they abiotic or biotic stresses such as irregular rainfall or predation. In flowering plants, bet-hedging is exhibited by hundreds of species and is mainly exerted by reproductive organs, in particular seeds but also embryos and fruits. The main example of bet-hedging in angiosperms is diaspore heteromorphism in which the same individual produces different seed/fruit morphs in terms of morphology, dormancy, eco-physiology and/or tolerance to biotic and abiotic stresses in order to 'hedge its bets' in unpredictable environments. The objective of this review is to provide a comprehensive overview of the ecological, genetic, epigenetic and physiological aspects involved in shaping bet-hedging strategies, and how these can affect population dynamics. We identify several open research questions about bet-hedging strategies in plants: 1) understanding ecological trade-offs among different traits; 2) producing more comprehensive phylogenetic analyses to understand the diffusion and evolutionary implications of this strategy; 3) clarifying epigenetic mechanisms related to bet-hedging and plant responses to environmental cues; and 4) applying multi-omics approaches to study bet-hedging at different levels of detail. Clarifying those aspects of bet-hedging will deepen our understanding of this fascinating evolutionary strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maraeva Gianella
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology "L. Spallanzani", University of Pavia, 27100, Pavia, Italy
| | - Kent J Bradford
- Department of Plant Sciences, Seed Biotechnology Center, University of California, Davis, USA
| | - Filippo Guzzon
- International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT), Carretera México-Veracruz, Km. 45, El Batán, 56237, Texcoco, Mexico State, Mexico.
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Eisenring M, Unsicker SB, Lindroth RL. Spatial, genetic and biotic factors shape within‐crown leaf trait variation and herbivore performance in a foundation tree species. Funct Ecol 2020. [DOI: 10.1111/1365-2435.13699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Michael Eisenring
- Department of Entomology University of Wisconsin‐Madison Madison WI USA
- Forest Entomology Swiss Federal Research Institute WSL Birmensdorf Switzerland
| | - Sybille B. Unsicker
- Department of BiochemistryMax Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology Jena Germany
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Latzel V, Münzbergová Z, Skuhrovec J, Novák O, Strnad M. Effect of experimental DNA demethylation on phytohormones production and palatability of a clonal plant after induction via jasmonic acid. OIKOS 2020. [DOI: 10.1111/oik.07302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Vít Latzel
- Inst. of Botany, Czech Academy of Sciences, Dept of Population Ecology Zámek 1 CZ‐252 43 Průhonice Czech Republic
| | - Zuzana Münzbergová
- Inst. of Botany, Czech Academy of Sciences, Dept of Population Ecology Zámek 1 CZ‐252 43 Průhonice Czech Republic
- Dept of Botany, Faculty of Science, Charles Univ. Prague Czech Republic
| | | | - Ondřej Novák
- Laboratory of Growth Regulators, Czech Academy of Sciences, Inst. of Experimental Botany and Palacký Univ. Olomouc Czech Republic
| | - Miroslav Strnad
- Laboratory of Growth Regulators, Czech Academy of Sciences, Inst. of Experimental Botany and Palacký Univ. Olomouc Czech Republic
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Kartal Ö, Schmid MW, Grossniklaus U. Cell type-specific genome scans of DNA methylation divergence indicate an important role for transposable elements. Genome Biol 2020; 21:172. [PMID: 32660534 PMCID: PMC7359245 DOI: 10.1186/s13059-020-02068-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2019] [Accepted: 06/10/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
In population genomics, genetic diversity measures play an important role in genome scans for divergent sites. In population epigenomics, comparable tools are rare although the epigenome can vary at several levels of organization. We propose a model-free, information-theoretic approach, the Jensen-Shannon divergence (JSD), as a flexible diversity index for epigenomic diversity. Here, we demonstrate how JSD uncovers the relationship between genomic features and cell type-specific methylome diversity in Arabidopsis thaliana. However, JSD is applicable to any epigenetic mark and any collection of individuals, tissues, or cells, for example to assess the heterogeneity in healthy organs and tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Önder Kartal
- Department of Plant and Microbial Biology & Zurich-Basel Plant Science Center, University of Zurich, Zollikerstrasse 107, Zurich, 8008 Switzerland
- Creoptix AG, Zugerstrasse 76, Wädenswil, 8820 Switzerland
| | - Marc W. Schmid
- Department of Plant and Microbial Biology & Zurich-Basel Plant Science Center, University of Zurich, Zollikerstrasse 107, Zurich, 8008 Switzerland
- MWSchmid GmbH, Möhrlistrasse 25, Zurich, 8006 Switzerland
| | - Ueli Grossniklaus
- Department of Plant and Microbial Biology & Zurich-Basel Plant Science Center, University of Zurich, Zollikerstrasse 107, Zurich, 8008 Switzerland
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Alonso C, Medrano M, Pérez R, Canto A, Parra-Tabla V, Herrera CM. Interspecific variation across angiosperms in global DNA methylation: phylogeny, ecology and plant features in tropical and Mediterranean communities. THE NEW PHYTOLOGIST 2019; 224:949-960. [PMID: 31276214 DOI: 10.1111/nph.16046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2019] [Accepted: 06/28/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
The interspecific range of epigenetic variation and the degree to which differences between angiosperm species are related to geography, evolutionary history, ecological settings or species-specific traits, remain essentially unexplored. Genome-wide global DNA cytosine methylation is a tractable 'epiphenotypic' feature suitable for exploring these relationships. Global cytosine methylation was estimated in 279 species from two distant, ecologically disparate geographical regions: Mediterranean Spain and tropical México. At each region, four distinct plant communities were analyzed. Global methylation spanned a 10-fold range among species (4.8-42.2%). Interspecific differences were related to evolutionary trajectories, as denoted by a strong phylogenetic signal. Genomes of tropical species were on average less methylated than those of Mediterranean ones. Woody plants have genomes with lower methylation than perennial herbs, and genomes of widespread species were less methylated than those of species with restricted geographical distribution. The eight communities studied exhibited broad and overlapping interspecific variances in global cytosine methylation and only two of them differed in average methylation. Altogether, our broad taxonomic survey supported global methylation as a plant 'epiphenotypic' trait largely associated with species evolutionary history, genome size, range size and woodiness. Additional studies are required for better understanding the environmental components underlying local and geographical variation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Conchita Alonso
- Estación Biológica de Doñana, CSIC, Avenida Américo Vespucio 26, 41092, Sevilla, Spain
| | - Mónica Medrano
- Estación Biológica de Doñana, CSIC, Avenida Américo Vespucio 26, 41092, Sevilla, Spain
| | - Ricardo Pérez
- Instituto de Investigaciones Químicas, Centro de Investigaciones Científicas Isla de La Cartuja, CSIC-US, Avenida Américo Vespucio 49, 41092, Sevilla, Spain
| | - Azucena Canto
- Centro de Investigación Científica de Yucatán, A.C., Calle 43 No. 130 x 32 y 34, Chuburná de Hidalgo, 97205, Mérida, Yucatán, Mexico
| | - Víctor Parra-Tabla
- Departamento de Ecología Tropical, Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán, Campus de Ciencias Biológicas y Agropecuarias, Km. 15.5 Carretera Mérida-Xtmakui, 97000, Mérida, Yucatán, Mexico
| | - Carlos M Herrera
- Estación Biológica de Doñana, CSIC, Avenida Américo Vespucio 26, 41092, Sevilla, Spain
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10
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Souza ML, Lovato MB, Fagundes M, Valladares F, Lemos-Filho JP. Soil fertility and rainfall during specific phenological phases affect seed trait variation in a widely distributed Neotropical tree, Copaifera langsdorffii. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF BOTANY 2019; 106:1096-1105. [PMID: 31334843 DOI: 10.1002/ajb2.1333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2019] [Accepted: 05/28/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
PREMISE Knowledge of intra-specific variation in seed traits and its environmental determinants is important for predicting plant responses to environmental changes. Here, we tested the hypothesis that differences in soil fertility and rainfall during specific phenological phases drive variation in seed traits in a widely distributed tree, Copaifera langsdorffii. We also tested the hypothesis that climatic heterogeneity increases within-plant variation in seed traits. METHODS Inter- and intra-population and within-plant variation in seed mass, number, and seed size/seed number were evaluated for 50 individuals from five populations distributed along a rainfall gradient and occurring on varying soil types. Using multivariate approaches, we tested the effects of soil fertility characteristics and rainfall in five reproductive phenological phases on seed traits. RESULTS The seed traits varied greatly both among populations and within plants. Inter-population variation in seed mass was driven by total rainfall during fruit development, and variation in seed number was influenced by total rainfall during the dry season before the reproductive phase. Phosphorus levels and potential acidity of the soil also explained the variations in seed mass and seed mass/seed number, respectively. A positive association between intra-annual variation in rainfall and within-plant variation in seed mass and seed number was found. CONCLUSION Both rainfall during specific reproductive phases and soil conditions shape the variation in the seed mass and number of C. langsdorffii. Environment-driven seed trait variation may contribute to this species' broad niche breadth, which in turn may determine the species' persistence under future climatic conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matheus Lopes Souza
- Departamento de Botânica, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, ICB-UFMG, Belo Horizonte, 31270, Brazil
| | - Maria Bernadete Lovato
- Departamento de Biologia Geral, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, ICB-UFMG, Belo Horizonte, 31270, Brazil
| | - Marcilio Fagundes
- Departamento de Biologia Geral, Universidade Estadual de Montes Claros, CCBS-UNIMONTES, Montes Claros, 39401, Brazil
| | - Fernando Valladares
- LINCGlobal Departamento de Biogeografía y Cambio Global, Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales, MNCN-CSIC, Madrid, 28006, Spain
- Departamento de Biología y Geología ESCET, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, Móstoles, 28933, Spain
| | - José Pires Lemos-Filho
- Departamento de Botânica, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, ICB-UFMG, Belo Horizonte, 31270, Brazil
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Sobral M, Guitián J, Guitián P, Violle C, Larrinaga AR. Exploring sub-individual variability: role of ontogeny, abiotic environment and seed-dispersing birds. PLANT BIOLOGY (STUTTGART, GERMANY) 2019; 21:688-694. [PMID: 30537398 DOI: 10.1111/plb.12949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2018] [Accepted: 12/05/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Within-individual trait variation - otherwise known as sub-individual variation - is an important component of phenotypic variation, with both a genetic and epigenetic basis. We explore its adaptive value and the effects of ontogeny and the environment on sub-individual variability. We conducted a field study to analyse the effects of tree age, soil pH, soil water content and soil nutrients on sub-individual variability in fruit size of hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna) in three sites in northwest Spain. Additionally, we examined how bird-mediated selection influences average and sub-individual variation in fruit size. Results show that average and sub-individual variations in fruit size were related to fitness affecting seed dispersal. Older trees produced larger fruits, but tree age did not affect sub-individual variation in fruit size. Abiotic environmental factors differently affected sub-individual variation and average fruit size. Seed-dispersing birds exerted correlated selection on average and variation in fruit size, favouring trees with larger and less variable fruit size at one site. Our work suggests that the fruit size variation within individual trees, the sub-individual variation, is modified by abiotic environmental factors and, additionally, is an adaptive trait that responds to natural selection.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Sobral
- Departamento de Zooloxía Xenética e Antropoloxía Física, Santiago de Compostela, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - J Guitián
- Departamento de Bioloxía Celular e Ecoloxía, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - P Guitián
- Departamento de Botánica, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - C Violle
- CEFE Montpellier, Univ. Paul Valéry Montpellier 3, Univ. Montpellier, EPHE, CNRS, IRD, Montpellier, France
| | - A R Larrinaga
- Forest Genetics and Ecology Group, Biologic Mission of Galicia-Misión Biológica de Galicia (CSIC-Spanish National Research Council), Carballeira, 8, Salcedo, Pontevedra
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Johnson JS, Cantrell RS, Cosner C, Hartig F, Hastings A, Rogers HS, Schupp EW, Shea K, Teller BJ, Yu X, Zurell D, Pufal G. Rapid changes in seed dispersal traits may modify plant responses to global change. AOB PLANTS 2019; 11:plz020. [PMID: 31198528 PMCID: PMC6548345 DOI: 10.1093/aobpla/plz020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2018] [Accepted: 03/26/2019] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
When climatic or environmental conditions change, plant populations must either adapt to these new conditions, or track their niche via seed dispersal. Adaptation of plants to different abiotic environments has mostly been discussed with respect to physiological and demographic parameters that allow local persistence. However, rapid modifications in response to changing environmental conditions can also affect seed dispersal, both via plant traits and via their dispersal agents. Studying such changes empirically is challenging, due to the high variability in dispersal success, resulting from environmental heterogeneity, and substantial phenotypic variability of dispersal-related traits of seeds and their dispersers. The exact mechanisms that drive rapid changes are often not well understood, but the ecological implications of these processes are essential determinants of dispersal success, and deserve more attention from ecologists, especially in the context of adaptation to global change. We outline the evidence for rapid changes in seed dispersal traits by discussing variability due to plasticity or genetics broadly, and describe the specific traits and biological systems in which variability in dispersal is being studied, before discussing some of the potential underlying mechanisms. We then address future research needs and propose a simulation model that incorporates phenotypic plasticity in seed dispersal. We close with a call to action and encourage ecologists and biologist to embrace the challenge of better understanding rapid changes in seed dispersal and their consequences for the reaction of plant populations to global change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeremy S Johnson
- School of Forestry, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ, USA
- Dorena Genetic Resource Center, USDA Forest Service, Cottage Grove, OR, USA
| | | | - Chris Cosner
- Department of Mathematics, The University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL, USA
| | - Florian Hartig
- Theoretical Ecology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Alan Hastings
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Haldre S Rogers
- Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA
| | - Eugene W Schupp
- Department of Wildland Resources & Ecology Center, Utah State University, Logan, UT, USA
| | - Katriona Shea
- Department of Biology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
| | - Brittany J Teller
- Department of Biology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
| | - Xiao Yu
- Department of Mathematics, The University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL, USA
| | - Damaris Zurell
- Department of Geography, Humboldt-University Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Department of Land Change and Science, Swiss Federal Institute WSL, Birmensdorf, Switzerland
| | - Gesine Pufal
- Nature Conservation and Landscape Ecology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
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Herrera CM, Medrano M, Pérez R, Bazaga P, Alonso C. Within-plant heterogeneity in fecundity and herbivory induced by localized DNA hypomethylation in the perennial herb Helleborus foetidus. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF BOTANY 2019; 106:798-806. [PMID: 31157419 DOI: 10.1002/ajb2.1291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2018] [Accepted: 03/26/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
PREMISE Phenotypic heterogeneity of reiterated, homologous structures produced by individual plants has ecological consequences for plants and their animal consumers. This paper examines experimentally the epigenetic mosaicism hypothesis, which postulates that within-plant variation in traits of reiterated structures may partly arise from different parts of the same genetic individual differing in patterns or extent of genomic DNA methylation. METHODS Leaves of paired ramets borne by field-growing Helleborus foetidus plants were infiltrated periodically over the entire flowering period with either a water solution of the demethylating agent zebularine or just water as the control. The effects of the zebularine treatment were assessed by quantifying genome-wide DNA cytosine methylation in leaves and monitoring inflorescence growth and flower production, number of ovules per flower, pollination success, fruit set, seed set, seed size, and distribution of sap-feeding insects. RESULTS Genomic DNA from leaves in zebularine-treated ramets was significantly less methylated than DNA from leaves in control ones. Inflorescences in treated ramets grew smaller and produced fewer flowers, with fewer ovules and lower follicle and seed set, but did not differ from inflorescences in untreated ramets in pollination success or seed size. The zebularine treatment influenced the within-plant distribution of sap-feeding insects. CONCLUSIONS Experimental manipulation of genomic DNA methylation level in leaves of wild-growing H. foetidus plants induced considerable within-plant heterogeneity in phenotypic (inflorescences, flowers, fecundity) and ecologically relevant traits (herbivore distribution), which supports the hypothesis that epigenetic mosaicism may partly account for within-plant variation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos M Herrera
- Estación Biológica de Doñana, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Avenida Américo Vespucio 26, 41092, Sevilla, Spain
| | - Mónica Medrano
- Estación Biológica de Doñana, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Avenida Américo Vespucio 26, 41092, Sevilla, Spain
| | - Ricardo Pérez
- Instituto de Investigaciones Químicas, Centro de Investigaciones Científicas Isla de La Cartuja, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC)-Universidad de Sevilla, Sevilla, Spain
| | - Pilar Bazaga
- Estación Biológica de Doñana, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Avenida Américo Vespucio 26, 41092, Sevilla, Spain
| | - Conchita Alonso
- Estación Biológica de Doñana, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Avenida Américo Vespucio 26, 41092, Sevilla, Spain
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Transgenerational effects of ungulates and pre-dispersal seed predators on offspring success and resistance to herbivory. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0207553. [PMID: 30540778 PMCID: PMC6291102 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0207553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2018] [Accepted: 11/01/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Herbivorous mammals and insect pre-dispersal seed predators are two types of herbivores that, despite their functional and morphological differences, tend to severely impact many plant species, highly decreasing their seed production and even imperiling the performance of their offspring through transgenerational effects. However, how they influence offspring resistance to herbivory remains largely unknown. In this study we experimentally examined the effects of ungulates and pre-dispersal seed predators on seed quality as well as on the emergence, survival and resistance to herbivory of the seedlings of a semiarid herb. We found that ungulates reduced seedling recruitment but increased seedling resistance to leaf miners. These effects were probably a consequence of insufficient carbon provisioning in seeds that reduced seed viability and provoked carbon limitation in seedlings. Pre-dispersal seed predators did not influence seedling recruitment, but seedlings from mothers damaged by ungulates and by pre-dispersal seed predators suffered less herbivory by grasshoppers. Remarkably, intra-individual differences in damage by pre-dispersal seed predators affected the rate of damage underwent by seedlings. That is, seedlings derived from fruits attacked by seed predators were more resistant to herbivores than siblings derived from un-attacked fruits in plant populations exposed to ungulates. To our knowledge, this is the first study reporting variation in transgenerational-induced resistance of seedlings from the same maternal plant. This study is a valuable contribution to the understanding of transgenerational effects of multiple herbivores and their implications for a deeper comprehension of the natural systems in which they co-occur.
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Herrera CM, Alonso C, Medrano M, Pérez R, Bazaga P. Transgenerational epigenetics: Inheritance of global cytosine methylation and methylation-related epigenetic markers in the shrub Lavandula latifolia. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF BOTANY 2018; 105:741-748. [PMID: 29727470 DOI: 10.1002/ajb2.1074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2017] [Accepted: 01/22/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
PREMISE OF THE STUDY The ecological and evolutionary significance of natural epigenetic variation (i.e., not based on DNA sequence variants) variation will depend critically on whether epigenetic states are transmitted from parents to offspring, but little is known on epigenetic inheritance in nonmodel plants. METHODS We present a quantitative analysis of transgenerational transmission of global DNA cytosine methylation (= proportion of all genomic cytosines that are methylated) and individual epigenetic markers (= methylation status of anonymous MSAP markers) in the shrub Lavandula latifolia. Methods based on parent-offspring correlations and parental variance component estimation were applied to epigenetic features of field-growing plants ('maternal parents') and greenhouse-grown progenies. Transmission of genetic markers (AFLP) was also assessed for reference. KEY RESULTS Maternal parents differed significantly in global DNA cytosine methylation (range = 21.7-36.7%). Greenhouse-grown maternal families differed significantly in global methylation, and their differences were significantly related to maternal origin. Methylation-sensitive amplified polymorphism (MSAP) markers exhibited significant transgenerational transmission, as denoted by significant maternal variance component of marker scores in greenhouse families and significant mother-offspring correlations of marker scores. CONCLUSIONS Although transmission-related measurements for global methylation and MSAP markers were quantitatively lower than those for AFLP markers taken as reference, this study has revealed extensive transgenerational transmission of genome-wide global cytosine methylation and anonymous epigenetic markers in L. latifolia. Similarity of results for global cytosine methylation and epigenetic markers lends robustness to this conclusion, and stresses the value of considering both types of information in epigenetic studies of nonmodel plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos M Herrera
- Estación Biológica de Doñana, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Avenida Américo Vespucio 26, 41092, Sevilla, Spain
| | - Conchita Alonso
- Estación Biológica de Doñana, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Avenida Américo Vespucio 26, 41092, Sevilla, Spain
| | - Mónica Medrano
- Estación Biológica de Doñana, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Avenida Américo Vespucio 26, 41092, Sevilla, Spain
| | - Ricardo Pérez
- Instituto de Investigaciones Químicas, Centro de Investigaciones Científicas Isla de La Cartuja, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC)-Universidad de, Sevilla, Sevilla, Spain
| | - Pilar Bazaga
- Estación Biológica de Doñana, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Avenida Américo Vespucio 26, 41092, Sevilla, Spain
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