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Genetic differentiation of European larch along an altitudinal gradient in the French Alps

Authors :
Yves Rousselle
Vanina Guérin
Leopoldo Sanchez
Maxime Nardin
Luc E. Pâques
Brigitte Musch
Sara Marin
Philippe Rozenberg
Jean-Pierre Rossi
Sophie Gerber
Source :
Annals of Forest Science, Annals of Forest Science, Springer Nature (since 2011)/EDP Science (until 2010), 2015, 72 (5), pp.517-527. ⟨10.1007/s13595-015-0483-8⟩, Annals of Forest Science 5 (72), 517-527. (2015)
Publication Year :
2015
Publisher :
Springer Science and Business Media LLC, 2015.

Abstract

Key message[br/] Despite variable dynamics of genetic diversification at the different altitudinal levels, strong gene flow tends to standardize larch genetic diversity: the larch forest distributed along the altitudinal gradient can be regarded as a single population.[br/] [br/] Context[br/] While in forest tree species many studies focus on the structure of the genetic diversity at the natural range and at the forest stand levels, few studies have worked at intermediate levels like the landscape level.[br/] [br/] Aims[br/] We tried to determine to what degree altitude variation can affect the genetic diversity and the local structure of the genetic diversity of European larch (Larix decidua Miller) at the landscape level.[br/] [br/] Methods[br/] Using microsatellite markers, we determined the between- and within-plot genetic structure and the spatial genetic structure (SGS) of four altitudinal plots distributed between 1,350 and 2,300 m a.s.l. in a European larch forest located in the French Alps.[br/] [br/] Results[br/] A homogenous neutral genetic structure was detected along this gradient. The intensity of the SGS was found to be stronger at 2,300 m and decreased at the 2,000-m plot. It was low or non-existent at the 1,700- and 1,350-m altitudinal levels.[br/] [br/] Conclusion[br/] Our results suggest that the genetic structure observed at the landscape level in this European larch forest was only slightly affected by climatic variation, human activities, or historical events. However, the variation of intensity of the SGS within the altitudinal plots indicates the existence of variable genetic dynamics, despite the globally uniform genetic structure along the altitudinal gradient.

Details

ISSN :
1297966X and 12864560
Volume :
72
Database :
OpenAIRE
Journal :
Annals of Forest Science
Accession number :
edsair.doi.dedup.....3c51ee6bb275a0fc0396c652b0672da7
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1007/s13595-015-0483-8