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Review article2013Peer reviewedOpen access

Epigenetic regulation of adaptive responses of forest tree species to the environment

Braeutigam, Katharina; Vining, Kelly J.; Lafon-Placette, Clement; Fossdal, Carl G.; Mirouze, Marie; Gutierrez Marcos, Jose; Fluch, Silvia; Fernandez Fraga, Mario; Angeles Guevara, M.; Abarca, Dolores; Johnsen, Oystein; Maury, Stephane; Strauss, Steven H.; Campbell, Malcolm M.; Rohde, Antje; Diaz-Sala, Carmen; Cervera, Maria-Teresa

Abstract

Epigenetic variation is likely to contribute to the phenotypic plasticity and adaptative capacity of plant species, and may be especially important for long-lived organisms with complex life cycles, including forest trees. Diverse environmental stresses and hybridization/polyploidization events can create reversible heritable epigenetic marks that can be transmitted to subsequent generations as a form of molecular memory. Epigenetic changes might also contribute to the ability of plants to colonize or persist in variable environments. In this review, we provide an overview of recent data on epigenetic mechanisms involved in developmental processes and responses to environmental cues in plant, with a focus on forest tree species. We consider the possible role of forest tree epigenetics as a new source of adaptive traits in plant breeding, biotechnology, and ecosystem conservation under rapid climate change.

Keywords

Adaptive response; environmental stress; epigenetic memory of stressful conditions; epigenetics; forest trees; phenotypic plasticity

Published in

Ecology and Evolution
2013, volume: 3, number: 2, pages: 399-415

SLU Authors

  • Lafon-Placette, Clément

    • National Institute of Agricultural Research (INRA)
    • University of Orléans

UKÄ Subject classification

Botany

Publication identifier

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/ece3.461

Permanent link to this page (URI)

https://res.slu.se/id/publ/85267