Fig. 1

The msh1 system is composed of four msh1-derived epigenetic states. In Arabidopsis, four distinct plant states originate from MSH1 knockdown or knockout. States 1 and 2 derive directly from msh1 disruption, resulting in highly stress-responsive phenotypes. State 1 at short daylength is variable, including a low-frequency “perennial-like” phenotype [16]. States 3 and 4 involve interaction of msh1-modified and naïve (wild type) genomes through grafting or crossing, resulting in growth vigor phenotypes. Genetic evidence of RdDM dependence is indicated at relevant transitions in gray shading