The microbial community that is systematically associated with a given host plant is called the core microbiota. The definition of the core microbiota was so far based on its taxonomic composition, but we argue that it should also be based on its functions. This so-called functional core microbiota encompasses microbial vehicles carrying replicators (genes) with essential functions for holobiont (i.e., plant plus microbiota) fitness. It builds up from enhanced horizontal transfers of replicators as well as from ecological enrichment of their vehicles. The transmission pathways of this functional core microbiota vary over plant generations according to environmental constraints and its added value for holobiont fitness.

系统地与给定寄主植物相关联的微生物群落称为核心微生物群。到目前为止，核心微生物群的定义是基于其分类学组成的，但是我们认为它也应该基于其功能。这种所谓的功能性核心微生物群包括携带复制子（基因）的微生物媒介，这些复制子具有整体性（即植物和微生物群）适应的基本功能。它建立在复制者水平转移的增强以及其车辆的生态丰富性的基础之上。该功能性核心微生物群的传播途径根据环境限制及其对全生命周期适应性的附加值而在植物世代中变化。