An evaluation of seed zone delineation using phenotypic and population genomic data on black alder Alnus glutinosa

摘要: Summary 1. Delineation of seed zones or provenance regions to preserve local adaptation is a common practice in forestry and restoration, as locally adapted plants generally possess relatively high levels productivity resistance. Provenance trials typically quantify the degree phenotypic divergence among individuals populations raised under conditions, which time-consuming potentially confounded by plasticity maternal effects. 2. Here, we put forward population genomics, screening individual genomes for genetic signature adaptation, fast reliable strategy evaluate zone delineation. To illustrate value this approach, quantified genomic within Belgian black alder Alnus glutinosa provenances compared results with traditional trials. Distant European reference were included validate approaches, larger environmental differences at scale are expected result adaptive responses. 3. Local did not perform better than foreign zones, contrast comparisons distant regions. A significant site effect indicated that plastic responses rather explain zones. The garden revealed little evidence all measured traits, both 4. number strength outliers was significantly these but between 5. Synthesis applications. lack supports an expansion current into also show genomics can be accurate time-efficient resource assist decisions on sourcing. This highlights importance raising awareness potential benefits novel approach policy makers, foresters restoration practitioners.