Microbiomes of hybrid and inbred maize

Previous studies have shown that the leaf and root microbiomes of maize are partially shaped by host genotype. In maize, many heritable traits display heterosis, where trait values in F1 hybrids exceed those in their inbred parent lines. Here, we test the hypothesis that some of these heterotic traits influence the maize microbiome, leading to patterns of heterosis in the microbiome itself. The results will reveal features of the maize leaf and rhizosphere microbiomes that are associated with hybrid vigor and clarify patterns of microbiome heritability.