Abstract
We investigated the genetic structure of three phenotypically distinct ecotypic groups of Norway spruce (Picea abies) belonging to three elevational classes; namely, low- (acuminata), medium- (europaea), and high-elevation (obovata) form, each represented by 150 trees. After rigorous filtering, we used 1916 Genotyping-by-Sequencing generated SNPs for analysis. Outputs from three multivariate analysis methods (Bayesian clustering algorithm implemented in STRUCTURE, Principal Component Analysis, and the Discriminant Analysis of Principal Components) indicated the presence of a distinct genetic cluster representing the high-elevation ecotypic group. Our findings bring a vital message to forestry practice affirming that artificial transfer of forest reproductive material, especially for stands under harsh climate conditions, should be considered with caution.
Highlights
As a species of substantial economic and ecological importance, Norway spruce Picea abies (L.) Karst, has been the subject of numerous genetic diversity studies utilizing both biochemical and molecular markers[1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8]
We looked for traces of local adaptations toward climatic conditions using Redundancy analysis (RDA), which identified 20 candidate SNPs correlated to climate variables
The current study aimed to dissect the genetic architecture of three Norway spruce ecotypic forms using SNP markers
Summary
As a species of substantial economic and ecological importance, Norway spruce Picea abies (L.) Karst, has been the subject of numerous genetic diversity studies utilizing both biochemical and molecular markers[1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8]. Most studies were conducted on the population level and aimed to identify the species extent of genetic differentiation[9,10,11,12]. Microsatellite markers are frequently used for population-level studies Due to their neutral nature, they are not affected by evolutionary forces such as selection and adaptation p rocesses[12,25,26]. A more recent study showed that the current distribution of Norway spruce genetic diversity is more admixtured due to repeated evolutionary events such as ancient splits, hybridization, and bottlenecks[20]. Along with the species outcrossing nature, other factors enhance gene flow level; namely, artificial spreading of spruce outside the natural grown a rea[42] and man-influenced forest reproductive material transfer establishing nonautochthonous forests from non-local gene sources[43]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
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.
