Within the framework of the ‘Exploratories for large-scale and long-term functional biodiversity research’ we study genetic diversity of adult beech stands (Fagus sylvatica) at different spatial scales and with different resolution: Differentiation among exploratories reflecting the different evolutionary past of populations, differentiation among plots within exploratories due to differences in selection or limited gene dispersal, and fine-scale spatial genetic structure within plots. We plan to analyze both natural and human impacts on levels and on the spatial distribution of genetic diversity. The investigation will be focussed on putatively neutral and anonymous markers (SSRs and AFLPs) in the current phase. We propose joint analyses with partially overlapping spatial inventories of other research groups assessing, for example, the associated vegetation, fungal diversity including mycorrhiza, or the activity of soil microbes. Associations between genetic diversity of beech and biodiversity at other levels are expected due to the existence of family structures in naturally regenerated beech stands. Data analyses will focus on an assessment of the adaptive potential of beech to environmental change. It is planned to expand the study after three years to nucleotide variation patterns at putatively adaptive candidate genes, and to design translocation experiments among plots and exploratories for the observation of the dynamics of genetic structures during the early growth of beech seedlings in different environments.

Further information: "Biodiversity Exploratories"

Funding: DFG (Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft)

Persons:
Finkeldey, Reiner
Gailing, Oliver
Rajendra K.C.