Host genotype and age shape the leaf and root microbiomes of a wild perennial plant

Bacteria living on and in leaves and roots influence many aspects of plant health, so the extent of a plant's genetic control over its microbiota is of great interest to crop breeders and evolutionary biologists. Laboratory-based studies, because they poorly simulate true environmental heterogeneity, may misestimate or totally miss the influence of certain host genes on the microbiome. Here we report a large-scale field experiment to disentangle the effects of genotype, environment, age and year of harvest on bacterial communities associated with leaves and roots of Boechera stricta (Brassicaceae), a perennial wild mustard. Host genetic control of the microbiome is evident in leaves but not roots, and varies…

• NS
  National Science Foundation

  Awards: 0958245, EF-0723447, 1311440, 0723447, DE-AC02-05CH11231
• HH
  Howard Hughes Medical Institute

  Awards: GBMF3030, DE-AC02-05CH11231
• UD
  U.S. Department of Energy

  Awards: -AC02-05CH11231, Contract No. DE-AC02-05CH11231, 05CH11231, No. DE-AC02-05CH11231, AC02-05CH11231, DE-AC02, DE-AC02-05CH11231, SC0010423, DE-AC02-
• GA
  Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation

  Award: GBMF3030
• AP
  American Philosophical Society
• JG
  Joint Genome Institute

  Awards: DE-AC02-05CH11231, AC02-05CH11231
• NI
  National Institutes of Health

  Awards: GM07092, R01 GM086496, T32 GM07092-34, GM086496, DE-AC02-05CH11231
• OO
  Office of Science

  Awards: AC02-05CH11231, -AC02-05CH11231, DE-AC02, No. DE-AC02-05CH11231, Contract No. DE-AC02-05CH11231