Abstract
The ability of beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) populations to adapt to the ongoing climate change is especially important in the southern part of Europe, where environmental change is expected to be more intense. In this study, we tested the existing adaptive potential of eight beech populations from two provenances in N.E. Greece (Evros and Drama) that show differences in their environmental conditions and biogeographical background. Seedling survival, growth and leaf phenological traits were selected as adaptive traits and were measured under simulated controlled climate change conditions in a growth chamber. Seedling survival was also tested under current conditions in the field. In the growth chamber, simulated conditions of temperature and precipitation for the year 2050 were applied for 3 years, under two different irrigation schemes, where the same amount of water was distributed either frequently (once every week) or non-frequently (once in 20 days). The results showed that beech seedlings were generally able to survive under climate change conditions and showed adaptive differences among provenances and populations. Furthermore, changes in the duration of the growing season of seedlings were recorded in the growth chamber, allowing them to avoid environmental stress and high selection pressure. Differences were observed between populations and provenances in terms of temporal distribution patterns of precipitation and temperature, rather than the average annual or monthly values of these measures. Additionally, different adaptive strategies appeared among beech seedlings when the same amount of water was distributed differently within each month. This indicates that the physiological response mechanisms of beech individuals are very complex and depend on several interacting parameters. For this reason, the choice of beech provenances for translocation and use in afforestation or reforestation projects should consider the small scale ecotypic diversity of the species and view multiple environmental and climatic parameters in connection to each other.
Highlights
The European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) is one of the most important tree species in the continent, both economically and ecologically
The lowest survival rates were observed under field conditions for all populations, in comparison with the ones observed in the growth chamber (Figures 3, 4)
In the environment of the growth chamber, irrigation frequency proved to be an important factor for seedling survival, since mortality increased when irrigation occurred after long intervals of drought (A1 scheme)
Summary
The European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) is one of the most important tree species in the continent, both economically and ecologically. Its geographical range extends from Scandinavia to the Mediterranean covering various habitats (Bolte et al, 2007; Willner et al, 2017) It is generally considered as an oceanic species that can grow in areas with mild winters and moist summers, sensitive to intense drought periods in the growing season (Fotelli et al, 2001; Leuschner et al, 2001; Bolte et al, 2007; Granier et al, 2007; Pšidová et al, 2015). To overcome these negative consequences on the future performance of beech forests in afforestation programs in Europe, several authors suggest testing and using beech ecotypes that are adapted to a less oceanic climate (Schraml and Rennenberg, 2002; Nielsen and Jørgensen, 2003; Meier and Leuschner, 2008; Rose et al, 2009), such as the refugial beech populations from Southern Europe (Rennenberg et al, 2004; Geßler et al, 2007) that are expected to be adapted both to cold events and extended periods of drought during their growing season (St Clair and Howe, 2007; Fotelli et al, 2009; Eilmann et al, 2014; Thiel et al, 2014; Dounavi et al, 2016)
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