Seed endophytic bacteria of Crotalaria pumila growing on metal mine residues. endophyte metagenome

We investigated the possible transgenerational transfer of bacterial seed endophytes across consecutive seed generations of Crotalaria pumila growing on a metal mining site. This annual plant species completes its full life cycle on this contaminated substrate and produces viable seeds, hence increasing the numbers of plants colonizing the bare mine tailings year after year. A better understanding of the dynamics and beneficial traits of seed endophytes of a pioneer plant colonizing metal polluted substrates will allow to develop more successful phytoremediation strategies.