Population genetical analyses of trees in high latitudes

We investigate the genetic structure and adaptive potential of larch populations at the Siberian taiga–tundra transition zone to better understand migration routes since the Last Glacial Maximum and treeline dynamics. Using genome-wide single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) derived from genotyping-by-sequencing, together with nuclear, chloroplast and mitochondrial markers, we capture fine-scale gene flow patterns and identify genetic clusters across large distances.

Our studies reveal that geographical barriers, historical refugia and long-term environmental change shape the present-day distribution of genetic lineages and that long-lived clones can conserve local adaptations. Through landscape genomics, we relate genetic variation to climatic gradients to disentangle the biological processes underlying adaptation to cold and dry winter conditions and to infer the response capacity of boreal forests to ongoing climate change.

Dr. Stefan Kruse