Biodiversity Exploratories - Beechadapt

Genetic and adaptive variation in beech (Fagus sylvatica): Which factors influence their spatial distribution patterns?

Aims:

• Identification of probably adaptive genes


• Analysis of the genetic diversity within these candidate genes for the adaptive relevant traits drought resistance and bud burst, since the exploratories represent a precipitation and a temperature gradient


• Investigation of the adaptability of beech seedlings in reciprocal translocation experiments with the aim to associate genetic variation with phenotypic traits (in a possible follow up project)

• We expect a higher differentiation in adaptive genes in comparison to “neutral” genetic variation.


• We expect the local seedling to be best adapted in comparison to seedlings from other exploratories.


• Furthermore, the influence of different forest management intensities on probably adaptive variation in candidate genes will be investigated.

• Transcriptome analysis by means of next generation sequencing as well as the utilization of candidate genes already used in former studies on beech and oak (Quercus spp.)


• Analysis of selected SNPs (Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms) within the candidate genes


• Observation of phenotypic traits, for example survival, bud burst and growth

• Müller M, Seifert S, Lübbe T, Leuschner C, Finkeldey R (2017) De novo transcriptome assembly and analysis of differential gene expression in response to drought in European beech. PLOS ONE 12: e0184167. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0184167


• Müller M, Seifert S, Finkeldey R (2017) Comparison and confirmation of SNP-bud burst associations in European beech populations in Germany. Tree Genetics and Genomes 13: 59. doi: 10.1007/s11295-017-1145-9


• Müller M*, Seifert* S, Finkeldey R (2015) Identification of SNPs in candidate genes potentially involved in bud burst in European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.). Silvae Genetica 64: 1-20. *equal contribution