Data from: Transgenerational genetic effects help explain latitudinal variation in seed mass and germination timing in Plantago lanceolata

We know little about the underlying genetic control of phenotypic patterns
of seed traits across large-scale geographic and environmental gradients.
Such knowledge is important for understanding the evolution of populations
within species and for improving species conservation. Therefore, to test
for genetic variation in P. lanceolata, we made reciprocal crosses between
northern and southern genotypes that span the species’ range in Europe.
Results provide evidence of transgenerational genetic effects on seed mass
and germination timing. Northern mothers produced larger seeds with
delayed germination, in contrast to southern mothers, which produced
smaller seeds with accelerated germination. Maternal latitude affected
both the seed coat, solely maternal tissue, and embryo/endosperm tissues.
Thus, latitudinal variation in seed size and germination timing can be
explained, in part, by the direct influence of maternal genotype,
independent of zygotic genes that parents pass directly to the embryo and
endosperm. Data suggest that researchers exploring the existence and
evolution of large-scale geographic variation within species test for
transgenerational genetic effects. Also, data suggest that
transgenerational control of seed traits should be considered when
developing procedures designed to facilitate species conservation and
restoration.