Abstract
Studies of genetic variation underlying traits related to drought tolerance in forest trees are of great importance for understanding their adaptive potential under a climate change scenario. In this study, using a candidate gene approach, associations between SNPs and drought related traits were assessed in saplings of European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) representing trees growing along steep precipitation gradients. The saplings were subjected to experimentally controlled drought treatments. Response of the saplings was assessed by the evaluation of stem diameter growth (SDG) and the chlorophyll fluorescence parameters FV/FM, PIabs, and PItot. The evaluation showed that saplings from xeric sites were less affected by the drought treatment. Five SNPs (7.14%) in three candidate genes were significantly associated with the evaluated traits; saplings with particular genotypes at these SNPs showed better performance under the drought treatment. The SNPs were located in the cytosolic class I small heat-shock protein, CTR/DRE binding transcription factor, and isocitrate dehydrogenase genes and explained 5.8–13.4% of the phenotypic variance. These findings provide insight into the genetic basis of traits related to drought tolerance in European beech and could support the development of forest conservation management strategies under future climatic conditions.
Highlights
Studies of genetic variation underlying traits related to drought tolerance in forest trees are of great importance for understanding their adaptive potential under a climate change scenario
Since chlorophyll fluorescence is correlated with photosynthetic rates, the evaluation of chlorophyll fluorescence is a widely used approach to assess the impact of stress on p hotosynthesis[70,71]
It was found that FV/FM was not affected by the drought treatment, since no significant differences were found between saplings under control vs. drought conditions
Summary
Studies of genetic variation underlying traits related to drought tolerance in forest trees are of great importance for understanding their adaptive potential under a climate change scenario. The SNPs were located in the cytosolic class I small heat-shock protein, CTR/DRE binding transcription factor, and isocitrate dehydrogenase genes and explained 5.8–13.4% of the phenotypic variance These findings provide insight into the genetic basis of traits related to drought tolerance in European beech and could support the development of forest conservation management strategies under future climatic conditions. Previous studies have shown such interacting effects of drought and soil on annual shoot growth, root development, nitrogen and carbon metabolism, leaf water status, synthesis of anti-oxidative compounds and osmotic stress defense 26,31–34. These results suggest that there is local adaptation to drought in European beech, little is still known about the genetic variation underlying drought tolerance in this species
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
