Environmentally induced transgenerational changes in seed longevity: maternal and genetic influence

• DOI: 10.1093/aob/mcu046
• Publication Date: 2014-03-29T02:24:15Z
• Authors: A. Mondoni; S. Orsenigo; M. Donà; A. Balestrazzi; R. J. Probert; F. R. Hay; A. Petraglia; T. Abeli
• Keywords: Transgenerational epigenetics; Ecotype

Seed longevity, a fundamental plant trait for ex situ conservation and persistence in the soil of many species, varies across populations generations that experience different climates. This study investigates extent to which differences seed longevity are due genetic and/or modified by adaptive responses environmental changes. Seeds two wild Silene vulgaris from alpine (wA) lowland (wL) locations seeds originating their cultivation common garden (cA1, cL1, cA2 cL2) were exposed controlled ageing at 45 °C, 60 % relative humidity regularly sampled germination mRNA quantification (SvHSP17.4 SvNRPD12). The parental growth environment affected with high plasticity. wL significantly longer lived than those wA. However, when plants grown garden, doubled first generation produced (cA1). Conversely, was similar all lots did not increase second (cA2). Analysis effects on provisioning indicated accumulation gene transcripts involved tolerance heat stress highest wL, cL1 cL2, followed cA1, has basis, but may show strong responses, associated differential via effects. Adaptive adjustments transgenerational plasticity play role survival species face future challenges. results suggest regeneration location have important implications held banks.