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Tree rings provide a new class of phenotypes for genetic associations that foster insights into adaptation of conifers to climate change
Author(s) -
Housset Johann M.,
Nadeau Simon,
Isabel Nathalie,
Depardieu Claire,
Duchesne Isabelle,
Lenz Patrick,
Girardin Martin P.
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
new phytologist
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.742
H-Index - 244
eISSN - 1469-8137
pISSN - 0028-646X
DOI - 10.1111/nph.14968
Subject(s) - local adaptation , biology , adaptation (eye) , phenology , dendrochronology , ecology , climate change , range (aeronautics) , evolutionary biology , population , demography , paleontology , neuroscience , sociology , materials science , composite material
Summary Local adaptation in tree species has been documented through a long history of common garden experiments where functional traits (height, bud phenology) are used as proxies for fitness. However, the ability to identify genes or genomic regions related to adaptation to climate requires the evaluation of traits that precisely reflect how and when climate exerts selective constraints. We combine dendroecology with association genetics to establish a link between genotypes, phenotypes and interannual climatic fluctuations. We illustrate this approach by examining individual tree responses embedded in the annual rings of 233 Pinus strobus trees growing in a common garden experiment representing 38 populations from the majority of its range. We found that interannual variability in growth was affected by low temperatures during spring and autumn, and by summer heat and drought. Among‐population variation in climatic sensitivity was significantly correlated with the mean annual temperature of the provenance, suggesting local adaptation. Genotype–phenotype associations using these new tree‐ring phenotypes validated nine candidate genes identified in a previous genetic–environment association study. Combining dendroecology with association genetics allowed us to assess tree vulnerability to past climate at fine temporal scales and provides avenues for future genomic studies on functional adaptation in forest trees.