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Genome-wide analysis of the genetic diversity of European beech across its distribution range
Project
Project code: TI-FG-08-PID2380
Contract period: 01.06.2021
- 30.11.2023
Purpose of research: Applied research
The “beech genomics“ project aims to support the adaptation of beech to current and future environmental conditions and the maintenance of high levels of genetic diversity.
The adaptation of forest trees to current and future conditions is crucial for preserving stable forest ecosystems. At the same time, it is important to maintain high levels of genetic diversity. The current speed of climate change poses a big challenge for foresters and tree breeders. The adaptation needs to be achieved fast. In the “beech genomics” project a combination of population genomics analyses and phenotyping will be used to contribute to the adaptation of European beech (Fagus sylvatica) to the changing climate. To this end the genetic variation across the distribution range of beech will be analyzed. We will resequence the genomes of beech trees from 100 populations. Genotype-environment associations will reveal genomic regions potentially involved in local adaptation. Genotype-phenotype associations will additionally uncover loci involved in trait variation and will allow an estimation of the heritability and genetic architecture of different traits. We will focus on novel phenotyping methods, such as the use of drones for assessing phenological variables with high resolution. Additionally, we want to test sensors attached to the trees for real-time monitoring of the trees’ water status. Together these data will give insights into the natural genetic potential of beech and may facilitate adaptation, which will be key to maintaining the forests’ function as carbon sinks. Long generation times of forest tree species impede rapid breeding progress. For a reliable assessment of improved tree performance, time-consuming field trials are necessary. However, novel genomic methods provide new opportunities and promise substantial time savings. Recent technological developments together with the unique combination of forest tree breeding and genome research at the Thünen Institute of Forest Genetics open up exciting new possibilities. We can now lay the foundation for next generation forest tree breeding. There is a clear consensus on the urgency of adapting forests to climate change. However, it is less clear how to best accomplish this adaptation. For example, how important is the potential genetic contribution? To reliably answer this question, we need to perform powerful genotype-phenotype associations to determine the genetic architecture of relevant traits. We need to characterize the distribution of the underlying loci and assess chances of novel genetic combinations. With these data we can define goals that can be best achieved using genetic methods. At the same time, we can highlight areas that may better be solved using alternative approaches. The “beech genomics” project aims at assessing the genetic variation of beech across its distribution range and generate extensive phenotypic datasets. By performing genotype-environment and genotype-phenotype associations we can determine the genetic architecture of different important traits. This will be essential for the development of future breeding strategies.
Section overview
Subjects
- Silviculture
- Forest genetics
