Fine-scale spatial genetic structure of two red oak species, Quercus rubra and Quercus ellipsoidalis

摘要: Peripheral populations located at their range edge, may be risk due to geographical isolation, environmental changes, human disturbances or catastrophic events such as wildfires. Fine-scale spatial genetic structure (SGS) investigations provide a way examine the arrangement of variation within populations. SGS can result from restricted seed and pollen dispersal might affected by geographic isolation changes even in outcrossing wind-pollinated species like oaks. Studying peripheral provides information that used develop improved conservation management plans species’ edge. We assessed level twelve edge northern Wisconsin Upper Peninsula Michigan (USA): eight Quercus rubra four ellipsoidalis were subject different regimes natural disturbances. In contrast Q. populations, drought tolerant are isolated main distribution range. These not actively managed but especially prone recurring fire events. The old growth (“unmanaged”) displayed similar levels variation. Likewise Sp statistic showed unmanaged (Sp = 0.005) comparable other (European robur: 0.003). more pronounced than neighboring extending up 83 m one population. A significant excess homozygotes across markers two suggests potential inbreeding. summary, diverse activities combined with various likely both influencing patterns. Outcrossing forest trees oaks hold large amounts diversity allowing adaptation over long life spans. Reductions these stores, through inbreeding for example, inhibit ability adapt changing conditions.