Unveiling intra-population functional variability patterns in a European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) population from the southern range edge: drought resistance, post-drought recovery and phenotypic plasticity.

ABSTRACT: Understanding covariation patterns of drought resistance, post-drought recovery and phenotypic plasticity, and their variability at the intra-population level are crucial for predicting forest vulnerability to increasing aridity. This knowledge is particularly urgent at the trailing range edge since, in these areas, tree species are proximal to their ecological niche boundaries. While this proximity increases their susceptibility, these populations are recognized as valuable genetic reservoirs against environmental stressors. The conservation of this genetic variability is critical for the adaptive capacity of the species in the current context of climate change. Here we examined intra-population patterns of stem basal growth, gas exchange and other leaf functional traits in response to an

SUBMITTER: Sanchez-Gomez D 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11412075 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature