Spring phenology shows genetic variation among and within populations in seedlings of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) in the Scottish Highlands

Salmela, Matti J.; Cavers, Stephen ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2139-9236; Cottrell, Joan E.; Iason, Glenn R.; Ennos, Richard A.. 2013 Spring phenology shows genetic variation among and within populations in seedlings of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) in the Scottish Highlands. Plant Ecology and Diversity, 6 (3-4). 523-536. https://doi.org/10.1080/17550874.2013.795627

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Abstract/Summary

Background: Genetic differentiation in phenotypic traits is often observed among forest tree populations, but less is known about patterns of adaptive variation within populations. Such variation is expected to enhance the survival likelihood of extant populations under climate change. Aims: Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) occurs over a spatially and temporally heterogeneous landscape in Scotland. Our goal was to examine whether populations had differentiated genetically in timing of bud flush in response to spatial heterogeneity and whether variation was also maintained within populations. Methods: Two common-garden studies, involving maternal families of seedlings from 21 native pinewoods, were established and variation in the trait was measured at the beginning of the second growing season. Results: Populations showed genetic differences in the trait correlated with the length of growing season at their site of origin, but the majority of variation was observed within populations. Populations also differed in their levels of variation in the trait; a pattern that may be influenced by spatial variation in the extent of temporal climate variability. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that populations have adapted to their home environments and that they also have substantial ability to adapt in situ to changes in growing season length.

Item Type:	Publication - Article
Digital Object Identifier (DOI):	https://doi.org/10.1080/17550874.2013.795627
Programmes:	CEH Topics & Objectives 2009 - 2012 > Biodiversity > BD Topic 2 - Ecological Processes in the Environment > BD - 2.4 - Estimate the impact of the main drivers and pressures on biodiversity ... CEH Topics & Objectives 2009 - 2012 > Biodiversity > BD Topic 3 - Managing Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services in a Changing Environment > BD - 3.4 - Provide science-based advice ...
UKCEH and CEH Sections/Science Areas:	Watt
ISSN:	1755-0874
Additional Keywords:	Pinus sylvestris, candidate gene, population differentiation, spring budburst, phenology, adaptation, adaptive potential, genetic differentiation, spatial heterogeneity, temporal heterogeneity, variation within populations
NORA Subject Terms:	Ecology and Environment
Related URLs:	Author's Homepage
Date made live:	18 Apr 2013 13:14 +0 (UTC)
URI:	https://nora.nerc.ac.uk/id/eprint/501122

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