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Reproductive and population genetic characteristics of leading-edge and central populations of two temperate forest tree species and implications for range expansion

Lookup NU author(s): Dr Samuel LoganORCiD, Prattana Phuekvilai, Dr Roy SandersonORCiD, Dr Kirsten Wolff

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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License (CC BY-NC-ND).


Abstract

© 2018 It is still a matter of debate how reproductive and genetic characteristics of range-edge populations differ from those central to its range, yet this is important for future changes in species’ ranges. Here we use microsatellite markers to assess the genetic diversity, relatedness and clonal reproduction of two lime tree species, Tilia cordata and T. platyphyllos, from leading range-edge and central locations. Clonal reproduction was limited in the populations studied, but leading range-edge populations contained more clones than populations sampled from lower latitudes. Although no inbreeding or lower genetic diversity was detected, leading range-edge populations have a higher average relatedness of individuals and a lower effective population size than those populations closer to the centre of the species’ distribution. Trees further apart than 26 m are unlikely to be clones and those further apart than 61 m are not likely to be closely related. The implications for forest managers are that although leading range-edge populations have a lower effective population size, they are also likely to be better adapted to northern climes. Because locally sourced trees appear to have sufficient genetic diversity and predominantly result from sexual reproduction they are likely to adapt to climate change and be suited for natural migration and a good source for assisted migration. This is a promising prospect for the potential of future natural or managed expansion and increased species abundance.


Publication metadata

Author(s): Logan SA, Phuekvilai P, Sanderson R, Wolff K

Publication type: Article

Publication status: Published

Journal: Forest Ecology and Management

Year: 2019

Volume: 433

Pages: 475-486

Print publication date: 15/02/2019

Online publication date: 26/11/2018

Acceptance date: 14/11/2018

Date deposited: 14/11/2018

ISSN (print): 0378-1127

ISSN (electronic): 1872-7042

Publisher: Elsevier BV

URL: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foreco.2018.11.024

DOI: 10.1016/j.foreco.2018.11.024


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