Genomic variation of European beech reveals signals of local adaptation despite high levels of phenotypic plasticity

Desanka Lazic, Cornelia Geßner, Katharina J. Liepe, Isabelle Lesur-Kupin, Malte Mader, Céline Blanc-Jolivet, Dušan Gömöry, Mirko Liesebach, Santiago C. González-Martínez, Matthias Fladung, Bernd Degen and Niels A. Müller ()
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Desanka Lazic: Thünen Institute of Forest Genetics
Cornelia Geßner: Thünen Institute of Forest Genetics
Katharina J. Liepe: Thünen Institute of Forest Genetics
Isabelle Lesur-Kupin: University of Bordeaux
Malte Mader: Thünen Institute of Forest Genetics
Céline Blanc-Jolivet: Thünen Institute of Forest Genetics
Dušan Gömöry: Technical University in Zvolen
Mirko Liesebach: Thünen Institute of Forest Genetics
Santiago C. González-Martínez: University of Bordeaux
Matthias Fladung: Thünen Institute of Forest Genetics
Bernd Degen: Thünen Institute of Forest Genetics
Niels A. Müller: Thünen Institute of Forest Genetics

Nature Communications, 2024, vol. 15, issue 1, 1-12

Abstract: Abstract Local adaptation is key for ecotypic differentiation and species evolution. Understanding underlying genomic patterns can allow the prediction of future maladaptation and ecosystem stability. Here, we report the whole-genome resequencing of 874 individuals from 100 range-wide populations of European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.), an important forest tree species in Europe. We show that genetic variation closely mirrors geography with a clear pattern of isolation-by-distance. Genome-wide analyses for genotype-environment associations (GEAs) identify relatively few potentially adaptive variants after correcting for an overwhelming signal of statistically significant but non-causal GEAs. We characterize the single high confidence genomic region and pinpoint a candidate gene possibly involved in winter temperature adaptation via modulation of spring phenology. Surprisingly, allelic variation at this locus does not result in any apparent fitness differences in a common garden. More generally, reciprocal transplant experiments across large climate distances suggest extensive phenotypic plasticity. Nevertheless, we find indications of polygenic adaptation which may be essential in natural ecosystems. This polygenic signal exhibits broad- and fine-scale variation across the landscape, highlighting the relevance of spatial resolution. In summary, our results emphasize the importance, but also exemplify the complexity, of employing natural genetic variation for forest conservation under climate change.

Date: 2024
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-52933-y

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