Spatio-temporal dynamics of genome-wide diversity of Fagus sylvatica

• Applicant: Professor Dr. Marco Thines
• Subject Area: Evolution and Systematics of Plants and Fungi ; Forestry
• Term: from 2019 to 2023
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 426505791

European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) is an important forest tree species in Central Europe. However, despite extensive efforts of the scientific community little is known about the spatial and temporal genome-wide variation of this species. Even less is known regarding how this variation has helped the species to cope with climate change or what the adaptive potential may be in the face of future climate changes. These limitations are partly due to insufficient genomic resources of beech. However, recently the teams jointly submitting this proposal have published the first high quality reference genome of F. sylvatica. With the experience of this mutually beneficial collaboration, we submit the project proposal for continuing our collaborative research for synergistically combining our expertise in genomics and population genetics, working towards closing the knowledge gaps outlined above. Using the whole genome sequencing (WGS) approach, we will investigate genetic diversity and differentiation among natural populations of F. sylvatica representing the three major lineages of this species (reference populations) defined in Central Europe based on our earlier studies (based on ddRADseq). We will investigate how the neutral and non-neutral genetic diversity is transferred in a spatial, but also in a temporal manner. For this, we will study three different age classes (old trees > 200 y, saplings 40-60 y, and seedlings < 5 yrs) to trace any signatures of selection currently ongoing within the populations located in climatically different parts of the species distribution. These findings will have high importance for understanding the underlying mechanisms driving changes in neutral and adaptive genomic regions, which will be relevant for managing of genetic resources of tree species in the context of genetic conservation but also forestry practices. The research teams submitting this proposal have distinct and complementary areas of scientific excellence. The German team has long lasting interests in comparative and functional genomics, and genome evolution. The Polish team has experience on population genetics and genomics of forest trees. Joint collaboration during this project will be beneficial for both research groups, and will likely lead to long-term cooperation focused on population genomic studies.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants
• International Connection: Poland
• Partner Organisation: Narodowe Centrum Nauki (NCN)
• Cooperation Partners: Professor Dr. Jaroslaw Burczyk; Dr. Joanna Meger; Dr. Bartosz Ulaszewski