Multivariate models improve accuracy of genomic prediction for spring frost tolerance in Norway spruce.

ABSTRACT: Warming spring temperatures increase the risk of frost damage to emerging Norway spruce (Picea abies) buds by advancing their spring phenology and increasing the frost event frequency. We present a field-based electrolyte leakage assay to assess basal frost tolerance in newly emerging buds. Using this assay, we estimated genetic parameters and tested the effectiveness of multivariate genomic selection (GS) models integrating frost tolerance, bud burst phenology, and height growth. Multivariate models significantly improved frost tolerance prediction accuracy, particularly when incorporating bud burst data, due to a strong genetic correlation between traits (r ≈ -0.63) and high heritability of bud burst (h² ≈ 0.60). The observed genetic correlations suggest that early-flushing ge

SUBMITTER: Aro T 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12639272 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature