Transgenerational adaptation of a clonal plant in the context of biotic interactions (2023-2025)
Vít Latzel, Iris Sammarco, Zuzana Münzbergová
The environment experienced by parents can exert influence on the offspring’s phenotype via transgenerational effects (TGE). These effects could hold evolutionary significance as they may enable swift adaptation to local conditions. However, the majority of our understanding of adaptive TGE originates from studies centered on plant abiotic interactions. In contrast, our knowledge concerning the significance of biotic interactions in the transgenerational adaptation of plants remains limited.
As such, our research will investigate the role of symbiotic and antagonistic interactions of soil microbes on the adaptive transgenerational adaptation of the clonal plant Fragaria vesca. We will delve into the specific effects of mycorrhiza and fungal pathogens on transgenerational adaptation to various biotic stresses.
Our study will also juxtapose the role of transgenerational adaptation between sexual and clonal offspring. Finally, we aim to discern the role of DNA methylation and gene expression adjustment in TGE for both clonal and sexually produced offspring.