Cryptic genetic variation and adaptation to waterlogging in Caledonian Scots pine, Pinus sylvestris L.

Donnelly, Kevin; Cavers, Stephen ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2139-9236; Cottrell, Joan E.; Ennos, Richard A.. 2018 Cryptic genetic variation and adaptation to waterlogging in Caledonian Scots pine, Pinus sylvestris L. Ecology and Evolution, 8 (17). 8665-8675. https://doi.org/10.1002/ece3.4389

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Abstract/Summary

Local adaptation occurs as the result of differential selection among populations. Observations made under common environmental conditions may reveal phenotypic differences between populations with an underlying genetic basis; however, exposure to a contrasting novel environment can trigger release of otherwise unobservable (cryptic) genetic variation. We conducted a waterlogging experiment on a common garden trial of Scots pine, Pinus sylvestris (L.), saplings originating from across a steep rainfall gradient in Scotland. A flood treatment was maintained for approximately 1 year; physiological responses were gauged periodically in terms of photochemical capacity as measured via chlorophyll fluorescence. During the treatment, flooded individuals experienced a reduction in photochemical capacity, Fv/Fm, this reduction being greater for material originating from drier, eastern sites. Phenotypic variance was increased under flooding, and this increase was notably smaller in saplings originating from western sites where precipitation is substantially greater and waterlogging is more common. We conclude that local adaptation has occurred with respect to waterlogging tolerance and that, under the flooding treatment, the greater increase in variability observed in populations originating from drier sites is likely to reflect a relative absence of past selection. In view of a changing climate, we note that comparatively maladapted populations may possess considerable adaptive potential, due to cryptic genetic variation, that should not be overlooked.

Item Type:	Publication - Article
Digital Object Identifier (DOI):	https://doi.org/10.1002/ece3.4389
UKCEH and CEH Sections/Science Areas:	Biodiversity (Science Area 2017-) Unaffiliated
ISSN:	2045-7758
Additional Information. Not used in RCUK Gateway to Research.:	Open Access paper - full text available via Official URL link.
Additional Keywords:	chlorophyll fluorescence, common garden, cryptic genetic variation, local adaptation, Scots pine, waterlogging
NORA Subject Terms:	Ecology and Environment
Date made live:	20 Sep 2018 09:09 +0 (UTC)
URI:	https://nora.nerc.ac.uk/id/eprint/521016

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