Decoding endosperm endophytes in Pinus armandi: a crucial indicator for host response to climate change

Area of Science:

• Microbial Ecology
• Plant-Pathogen Interactions
• Climate Change Biology

Background:

• Endophytes enhance plant survival but their role in climate change adaptation is understudied.
• Pinus armandi, a climate-sensitive endemic, is ideal for studying endophyte-assisted climate response.
• Limited knowledge exists on Pinus armandi endosperm endophyte diversity and climate change response.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate endosperm endophyte communities in Pinus armandi.
• To assess endophyte diversity, composition, and interactions.
• To predict endophyte responses to future climate change.

Main Methods:

• Transcriptome data analysis from 55 Pinus armandi samples across 13 populations.
• Evaluation of endophyte community composition, phylogenetic diversity, and interaction networks.
• Correlation analysis of environmental factors (temperature, precipitation) with endophyte richness and diversity.

Main Results:

• Significant variations in endophyte community composition and diversity between northern and southern Pinus armandi groups.
• Temperature and precipitation were key factors influencing endosperm endophytic species richness and diversity.
• Northern populations and their endophytes, especially Ascomycota, face greater genomic vulnerability and threats under projected climate change.

Conclusions:

• Climate change poses consistent threats to both Pinus armandi and its endophytes.
• Host-associated fungi serve as critical indicators for predicting climate change impacts.
• This study provides a framework for understanding host-microbial interactions under climate warming and aids plant protection efforts.