Local Adaptation for Seasonal Cold Tolerance in a High-Elevation Conifer Species, Subalpine Larch (<i>Larix lyallii</i> Parl.).

ABSTRACT: Subalpine larch (Larix lyallii Parl.) is a deciduous conifer that only grows at treeline in the Cascade Range and Rocky Mountains of western North America. This habitat is shrinking due to climate change but subalpine larch is unlikely to migrate or adapt in situ and is therefore at risk of maladaptation and eventual extirpation. Future conservation efforts should be informed by an understanding of local adaptation in key traits. In this study, cold tolerance was assessed for 18 populations of subalpine larch from the Canadian portion of the species range that are grafted ex situ at the Kalamalka Forestry Centre in Vernon, BC. Electrolyte leakage was measured after stem tissue was subjected to artificial freezing tests at a range of subzero temperatures (-10°C to -40°C) over

SUBMITTER: Vance M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12920685 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature