Microbiome of reproductive organs of trees

Abstract Plants host a variety of microorganisms, all of which are known as the microbiome or microbiota. Plant microbiomes are living and evolving with their hosts. Microorganisms residing within or being transmitted via tree reproductive organs have vital effects on tree reproduction, fitness, and evolution. This chapter will mainly focus on understanding the bacterial and fungal biota associated with the reproductive organs of trees, their routes of transmission via reproductive organs, and their evolutionary and ecological effects on trees and other associated microorganisms. Investigations on the microbiome of tree reproductive organs will give a much broader and more comprehensive view of microbiome biodiversity, functions, mechanisms, and ecological roles of these microorganisms. Also, prospects on future research trends are expected for the reproductive organ microbiome of trees.