Fig and fig wasp mutualism

In this study, we sequenced the mRNA of F. obtusifolia flowers and all other eukaryotic organisms present within the flower tissue, creating a metatranscriptome of the fig and fig wasp mutualism. We compared metatranscriptomes of seed and gall flowers in figs harvested before and after entrance by fig wasps to determine (1) biochemical and metabolic differences between these two flower types that may influence oviposition by wasps, and (2) gene expression of both plant and wasp at the beginning of gall development. These two elements (oviposition choice and galling), which are essential to the fig and fig wasp interaction, may provide clues to the evolutionary origin and stability of this ancient and classic mutualism.