Climate and hybridization shape stomatal trait evolution in Populus.

ABSTRACT: Stomata play a critical role in regulating plant responses to climate. Where sister species differ in stomatal traits, interspecific gene flow can influence the evolutionary trajectory of trait variation, with consequences for adaptation. Leveraging six latitudinally distributed contact zones spanning the natural hybrid zone between Populus trichocarpa × Populus balsamifera, we used whole genome resequencing and replicate common garden experiments to test the role that interspecific gene flow and selection play in stomatal trait evolution. While species-specific differences in the distribution of stomata persist between P. balsamifera and P. trichocarpa, hybrids on average resemble P. trichocarpa. Admixture mapping identified several candidate genes associated with stomatal trait variation

SUBMITTER: Zavala-Paez M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12712426 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature