Impacts of predicted climate change on recruitment at the geographical limits of Scots pine.

ABSTRACT: Ongoing changes in global climate are having a significant impact on the distribution of plant species, with effects particularly evident at range limits. We assessed the capacity of Pinus sylvestris L. populations at northernmost and southernmost limits of the distribution to cope with projected changes in climate. We investigated responses including seed germination and early seedling growth and survival, using seeds from northernmost (Kevo, Finland) and southernmost (Granada, Spain) populations. Seeds were grown under current climate conditions in each area and under temperatures increased by 5 °C, with changes in precipitation of +30% or -30% with reference to current values at northern and southern limits, respectively, in a fully factorial controlled-conditions experimental design. I

SUBMITTER: Matias L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3883299 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature