Pervasive effects of a dominant foliar endophytic fungus on host genetic and phenotypic expression in a tropical tree.

ABSTRACT: It is increasingly recognized that macro-organisms (corals, insects, plants, vertebrates) consist of both host tissues and multiple microbial symbionts that play essential roles in their host's ecological and evolutionary success. Consequently, identifying benefits and costs of symbioses, as well as mechanisms underlying them are research priorities. All plants surveyed under natural conditions harbor foliar endophytic fungi (FEF) in their leaf tissues, often at high densities. Despite producing no visible effects on their hosts, experiments have nonetheless shown that FEF reduce pathogen and herbivore damage. Here, combining results from three genomic, and two physiological experiments, we demonstrate pervasive genetic and phenotypic effects of the apparently asymptomatic endophytes on th

SUBMITTER: Mejia LC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4162356 | biostudies-literature | 2014

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature