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Biodiversity Exploratories TREEvolution | Diversity and management effects on forest evolution

Mona Schreiber, Christian Lampei, Katrin Heer, Lars Opgenoorth

In TREEvolution, we aim to investigate the genetic adaptation potential of European beech saplings to new climatic conditions. While previous studies focused on adults, the younger generation may be better adapted to drought and heat. We will genomically examine one to five-year-old saplings and compare them with neighboring old trees to determine if forest land use types affect these changes. We will also consider micro- and macroclimatic environmental conditions.

The results from TREEvolution will provide insights into the population structure and early selection regime of beech under natural conditions accounting for management effects, which helps to understand how the high genetic variation corresponds to the drastic changes in climate conditions.