Epigenetic memory and growth responses of the clonal plant

The responses of plants to recurrent stress may differ from their a single event. In this study, we investigated whether clonal can remember past environments. Parental ramets Glechoma longituba (Nakai) Kuprian were exposed UV-B treatments either once or repeatedly (20 and 40 repetitions). Differences in DNA methylation levels growth parameters among parents, offspring genets analysed. Our results showed that reduced the level parental ramets, reduction was enhanced by increasing number treatments. epigenetic variation exhibited recurrently stressed parents maintained for long time, but singly only short-term. Moreover, responded different with strategies. one-time eustress increased genet biomass leaf allocation defensive comparison older offspring. contrast, recurring distress biomass, storage stolons, allocated more substances younger ramets. This study demonstrated clearly affected experience, memory transgenerational effect play important roles effect.