Adaptive variation for growth and resistance to a novel pathogen along climatic gradients in a foundation tree.

ABSTRACT: Natural ecosystems are under pressure from increasing abiotic and biotic stressors, including climate change and novel pathogens, which are putting species at risk of local extinction, and altering community structure, composition and function. Here, we aim to assess adaptive variation in growth and fungal disease resistance within a foundation tree, Corymbia calophylla to determine local adaptation, trait heritability and genetic constraints in adapting to future environments. Two experimental planting sites were established in regions of contrasting rainfall with seed families from 18 populations capturing a wide range of climate origins (~4,000 individuals at each site). Every individual was measured in 2015 and 2016 for growth (height, basal diameter) and disease resistance to a

SUBMITTER: Ahrens CW 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6597866 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature