Detection of Burkholderia in the seeds of Psychotria punctata (Rubiaceae) - Microscopic evidence for vertical transmission in the leaf nodule symbiosis.

Both independent techniques detected the host specific endophyte in close proximity to the shoot apical meristem of the embryo, which confirms for the first time the exact location of the endophytes in the seeds. This study provides reliable proof that the endophytes are maintained throughout the growth and development of the host plant and are transmitted vertically to the offspring.